
Class 
Book. 



W" 



No. XXIII. 



PEOCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



MoptFstFP jSoriFtg of ^ntiqnitg, 



FOR THE YEAR 



1885. 




WORCESTER, MASS.: 

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY, 

1886. 



U. S. A. ex. 



' >0-%tSiAijLl/ M 



COLLECTIONS 



OF THE 



MorrfxtFr Horiptg of jStnMqnitg, 



VOLUME VII. 




WORCESTER, MASS.: 

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 

1888. 

U. S. A. CXII. 



1^5X1 



"^' 8681 



PROCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



y 



MopfPstFP ^oriFtg of ^nHqnilg, 



FOR THE YEAR 



1885. 




WORCESTER, MASS.: 

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY, 

1886. 

U. S. A. ex. 



WORCESTER : 

PRIVATE PRESS OF FRANKLIN P. RICE. 

MDCCCLXXXVI. 



OFFICERS FOR 1886. 



PRESIDENT, 

ELLERY B. CRANE. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS, 

ALBERT TOLMAN, GEORGE SUMNER. 

SECRETARY, 

WILLIAM F. ABBOT, 

TREASURER, 

HENRY F. STEDMAN. 

LIBRARIAN, 

THOMAS A. DICKINSON. 



DEPARTMENTS OF WORK. 



ARCH/EOLOGY AND GENERAL HISTORY. 

CHARLES R. JOHNSON, Chairman. 

LOCAL HISTORY AND GENEALOGY. 

HENRY M. SMITH, Chairman. 

ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS, PUBLICATIONS 
AND ENGRAVINGS. 

' CLARK jn.LSON, Chairman. 

RELICS, COINS AND CURIOSITIES. 

THOMAS A. DICKINSON, Chairman. 

. MILITARY HISTORY. 

AUGUSTUS B. R. SPRAGUE, Chairman. 



1 

I 



■J 

\ 



COMMITTEES FOR 1886. 



executive; committee : 

ELLERY B. CRANE, ALBERT TOLMAN, 

GEORGE SUMNER, WILLIAM F. ABBOT, 

HENRY F. STEDMAN. 



STANDING COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS 

EDWARD R. LAWRENCE, for one year ; 
DANIEL SEAGRAVE, for two years ; 
JOSEPH JACKSON, for three years. 



COMMITTEE ON BIOGRAPHY : 

ALBERT TYLER, ALFRED S. ROE, 

NATHANIEL PAINE, CLARK JILLSON, 

SAMUEL E. STAPLES. 



COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATIONS : 

ELLERY B. CRANE, SAMUEL E. STAPLES, 

FRANKLIN P. RICE. 



MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY 

admitted in 1885. 

ACTIVE MEMBERS. 

Joseph Hartshorn Perry, . . . Worcester. 

Joseph Jackson, . • . Worcester. 

Franklin Whiting Brigham, M. D. . . Shrewsbury. 

Henry Gleason Taft, . . . Worcester. 

Addison Palmer, Worcester. 

George Milton Pierce, . . . Worcester. 

Uriel Waldo Cutler, . . . Worcester. 

William Towle Souther, M. D. . . Worcester. 

John Ira Souther, .... Worcester. 

Myron Edward Barrows, . . . Worcester. 

Daniel Bayard Hubbard, . . . Grafton. 

David Sewall Messinger, . . . Worcester. 

George Smith Adams, M. D. . . . Worcester. 

James Green, Worcester. 

Daniel Waterhouse Niles, M. D. . . Worcester. 

William Woodward, . . . Worcester. 

George Henry Mellen, . . . Worcester. 

Charles Lemuel Nichols, M. D. . Worcester. 

Horatio Lincoln Miller, . . . Worcester. 

Henry Dickinson Woods, . . Boston. 

Bernard Ammidown Leonard, . . Southbridge. 

William Henry Saw\'er, . . Worcester. 

Albert Fremont Simmons, . . . Worcester. 

Daniel Webster Abercrombie, . Worcester. 

Rev. John Gregson, . . . Wilkinsonville. 

John Carter Otis, . . Worcester. 

John Calvin Crane, . . . Millbury. 

CORRESPONDING MEMBER. 
Ray Greene Huling, .... Fitchburg. 



PROCEEDINGS. 



PROCEEDINGS 

For 1885. 




HE JANUARY MEETING was held on 
the evening of Tuesday the 6th. President 
Crane in the chair. 
The followino- named members attended : Messrs. 
Crane, Staples, T, A. Dickinson, Rice, Stedman, 
J. A. Smith, Gould, Maynard and Seagrave. 
The President made the following 

ADDRESS. 



Metnbers of The JVorces/er Society of Antiquity : 

We are just approaching the end of 
the first decade in the hfe and achievements of this Society. On 
the 24th day of this present month, the shadow upon the dial will 
mark the close of ten eventful and prosperous years of its existence. 
I say eventful, for a few of you may remember something of the 
anxiety felt at the time of its institution and organization, how 



lO 

skeptical some were as to its future, and how the hope was kept 
alive meeting after meeting by a few zealous workers, whose minds 
were thoroughly imbued with the desire and love for antiquarian 
research. 

It was not long, however, before a sufficient amount of faith had 
been generated to enable nearly all its members to feel that to 
labor within the circle of such an organization would not only 
prove to be a profitable employment of their time, but would also 
gratify a noble and worthy ambition. Of the genuineness of that 
love and desire we seem to be surroiuided in these rooms with 
abundant and unmistakable evidence. 

As I glance backward over the years that are gone, and recall 
the little beginnings made at those pleasant and enjoyable meet- 
ings held from time to time at the homes of the different members, 
and trace the line of events along down to the act of incorporation, 
when the organization became clothed with definite responsibility ; 
and even when we assumed, as was thought by some, the hazard- 
ous risk of the care and expense of this one room, and still further 
when, owing to rapid accumulations, it became necessary to take 
the second room, — all along up to the present hour, I do not re- 
member that there has been a moment of doubt or misgiving as 
to the future of this Society. 

It is only seven years since we began to collect books upon 
these shelves, and less time than that since we began to arrange 
curiosities and antiques in these cases, but already we are crowded 
for want of space in which to give proper display to many of the 
valuable and interesting relics in our possession. 

The past year has brought upon us more than our usual measure 
of success. Fourteen names have been added to our list of mem- 
bership, and we have received over 8,600 additions to our library 
and collection of curiosities. This includes the George Allen 
Library of 2300 bound volumes and 2000 pamphlets, which came 
into the possession of the Society last April through the generosity 
of a few leading gentlemen of our city. That gift marked an im- 
portant era in the growth and importance of our library, and gave 
US a red-letter day in the history of our Society. 




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i6 



of Sheriff of the newly constituted County of Worcester. His 
training in the prison and house of correction at Cambridge, under 
the eye of his father, was, doubtless, considered by the Council in 
making the appointment. 

There are but few facts now obtainable concerning Mr. Gookin, 
and these chiefly refer to his management of the responsible office 
of Sheriff.* His name first appears upon the records of the Court 
of Sessions of the new county in August, 1732, when he presented 
for approval his first account of expenditures. The following 
November, for some unexplained reason, he withdrew this account 
and substituted another, which was allowed by the Court. 

This action would not be noticed but for the facts hereafter 
mentioned. His second account presented and allowed by the 
Court in November, 1 733, is interesting as it shows a few of the 
duties of the Sheriff at that period. It is as follows : f 



October 
1732 

March 
April 
1733 

August 
Nov 



the County of Worcester Dr 



£ S D 



to Distributing 16 proclamations for 

thanksgiving o 16 

to 21 County treasurey Warrants i i 

to 16 proclamations for a fast o 16 

to 16 precepts i 12 

paid James Hamilton for Cloth for bedding 3 o 

to making the bed and Bolsters o 6 

to Returning ye precepts 2 o 

to 1 6 Tax bills & Country treasurey Warrants i 1 2 

to four blanketts for ye prison 5 4 

to 16 proclamations for thanksgiving o 16 

Salary ending August 1733 5 o 

Keeping ye house of Corection nothing 



3 o 



Dan' Gookin 



Some items of record regarding Mr. Gookin 's performance of 
official duty, which attracted my attention, may prove of interest 
to all, and instructive to those in similar positions of trust. 

* In 1733 he had a house lot granted him near the present corner of Main 
and Park streets. See "Records of the Proprietors." 

fThe original is in the possession of the American Antiquarian Society. 



17 

On the ist of July, 1737, Mr. John Wolcot, administrator of the 
estate of Captain Peter Papillon, deceased, made complaint to the 
Council that one Manassah Osmore, against whom he had re- 
covered judgment, and who was committed to jail in Worcester by 
Sheriff Gookin, had "through the negligence or connivance of the 
Gaoler, made his escape & yo'' Petitioner could never yet under- 
stand it was thro' the Deficiency of the Gaol or that there was 
any break in the Gaol or any Lock broak" ; and that he, the pe- 
titioner, had thereby lost all benefit of the judgment, and that the 
said Sheriff had taken no pains to secure the escaped prisoner. 
[Mass. Archives, vol. 41, page 219.] 

Upon hearing this complaint the Council ordered the Sheriff to 
appear before them on the 14th instant, which date allowed thir- 
teen days for service of notice. The following letter from Mr. 
Gookin, written on the 14th, shows the uncertainty of communica- 
tion between the several towns in the Province, and what would 
be called to-day a slipshod method of attending to business. 

May it please yo'' Excellency dr^ Honourable Council 

Last night at Ten of the Clock it Being the 
Thirteenth Instant (by the Hands of Coll" Chandler) I Received a Copy of 
Mr Wolcots Petition Wherein it is your Excellencys & Hon**'^ Councills 
pleasure to Direct me to appear Before your Excellency and the Hon*"'^ 
Councill ye fourteenth Instant To make answer to s<i petition which is Im- 
possible for me to do at such a short and sudden warning It very much 
Surprised me when I Saw ye Date of the order and no Longer Time to make 
my answer and should not Have Known it now if it had [not] been very 
accidently Brought by Mr. Dwight a Tavern keeper in Boston who Told me 
it was Left at his house for Conveyance, but by whom he knows not. I 
would Therefore Humbly Intreat yo' Excellency and y"" Honb'*" Council That 
that petition may be suspended untill I can have Time to make my answer 
to it. I Humbly Begg yr Excellency and Hon''* favour in this 

affair and Humbly Subscribe myself Yo"" Excellencys and Hon'''* most Dutifull 
and obedient Servt Dan' Gookin 

Worcester July 14 1737 
[Mass. Archives, vol. 105, page 148.] 

The hearing was postponed from time to time until Oct. 6, 1 737, 
when the Sheriff presented himself, and, "having made some ex- 



i8 

cuses was ordered to withdraw & the complaint to ly for further 
Consideration" ; and this, so far as the records are concerned, 
appears to be the end of that affair. 

On the 4th of April, 1 740, a similar complaint against the Sheriff 
was made by Hezekiah Maynard, but on the 1 7th instant Mr. 
Maynard acknowledged that he had received the amount of his 
judgment, and appeared satisfied. However, upon the same day, 
Mr. Paul Brintnall complained that the Sheriff had liberated from 
jail one James Holden, Jr., of Worcester, against whom he had 
recovered judgment in the sum of ;^33, 17, 1 ; that he had made 
frequent applications for his money, but had received only ^23. 
He adds : "Unless aided by the Justice of your Excellency & 
Honours [he] is well assured that He shall never get one farthing 
more altho' your Petitioner shall sue him. The demonstration of 
which arises from the Office He Sustains & the Circumstances He 
is in. Wherfore as he is an officer appointed by your Excellency 
& Honours as it is a most Grievous thing that the subject should be 
put to their Action for all the Money he gets into His hands by 
force of any Executions committed to him he prays the Compas- 
sionate & just regards of your Excellency & Honours to a whole 
Country & Province by the amendment or removal of so bad an 
officer & as in duty bound shall ever pray." 

The Council thereupon directed the Secretary to write to Mr. 
Gookin, and order him to appear before them the following week. 
The letter of the Secretary is here given : 

Boston April 17 1740. 
Sir 

I am directed by the Gov'' & Council to acquaint you 
that they are much displeased with you that your Conduct gives them so 
much Trouble of hearing so many Complaints. And that if you don't pres- 
ently reform, they will take Care to remedy these things by putting in an 
other Officer in your room. Your humble Servant 

J. WiLLARD. 

The Sheriff, however, did not appear at the time named, and an 
order was sent him to attend the Council at its next meeting the 
following week "upon pain of their highest Displeasure." The 



19 

displeasure of the honorable body must have been great when 
they found upon the day fixed that Mr. Gookin had concluded 
not to come to Boston in person, but had sent a letter instead. 
This letter read as follows : 

April 29, 1741. 
May it please yo'' Excellency and your Honb'<" Council These 
may Certify That I have paid Mr Brintnall his Debt & Charges as yo'' Ex- 
cellency and Hon" will see by his Receipt I Do Heartily acknowledge 
That it was by my means that mr Holding was Dismist out of Gaol His 
parents Came to me (They being my near neighbours) and was so Concerned 
for their son being in prison and were grieved and made so many premisses 
for the Speedy payment of the Remainding part of the Debt That I had 
Compassion on their aged Tears and Did upon their promise Dismiss him 
but Their failing of their promise has put me to this Cost and Trouble. 

I Do Therefore Humbly Intreat yo"" Excellency and Hon'''* to Take these 
Lines into yo'' wise Consideration and according to yo"" Great Clemency and 
Goodness Have Compassion on me and family and wherein I have offended 
yo"" Excellency and Hon'''* and any Others I will by Divine assistance Do so 
no more Mr Brintnall might had his money when he was up the Last Time 
but Refus<i it it was offered him as yo'' Excellency and Hon''* may see on ye 
Back of the Complaints But being instigated by some malicious persons as 
is by Every body supposed would not Take it for it was Thought would be a 
means of my being Dismis'i from my office; I Therefore Humbly Intreat yo'' 
Excellency and Hon'' that you would be pleas'" in yo'' Great wisdom to Con- 
tinue me Slill and I Shall (in all Regards) indeavor a universall amendment 
for the Time to Come upon all accounts 

I am yo'' Excellency's and Hon'" most unworthy (tho' most obedient) 
Servt Dan' Guokin 

[Mass. Archives, vol. 41. page 509.] 

This letter was accompanied by certificates of Joshua Eaton, Jr. 
and Isaac Barnard that the complaint of Mr. Brintnall had been 
read to Mr. Gookin, and an acknowledgment of Mr. Brintnall 
(witnessed by Caleb Johnson and William Jennison) that he had 
received the money claimed by him. There is also a brief note 
from William Jennison stating that Mr. Brintnall might have had 
his money five days before, but would not take it because Mr. 
Gookin was unwilling to pay -£8. for charge and trouble. 

The Council peremptorily ordered the Sheriff to be present at 
the meeting on the 29th of May next following, and Mr. Gookin 



20 

appears to have been sufficiently impressed by the order, and 
made his appearance. The Council record reads [May 29, 1 740] : 
"Daniel Gookin Esq"" Sheriff of the County of Worcester, being by 
the order of this Board of the first of May last required to attend 
this Board to answer for his disobedience in not appearing person- 
ally upon divers summons as also for his neglect & misconduct in 
his office, appeared this day and after he was heard in answer to 
these complaints. His ExcelP^ admonish'^ him for his ill conduct 
and warned him against such behaviour for the time to come lest 
he should render himself utterly unworthy of his office." 

Notwithstanding this reprimand, within two weeks another com- 
plaint was made that he had paid over only a portion of a debt 
recovered in a case (Andrew Caverly vs. Thomas Harback and 
James Waite of Worcester), but no action appears on the records ; 
and in October following, a similar complaint was preferred by 
Joseph Crosby, of Worcester, which was subsequently dismissed 
by the Council. 

Accompanying this last complaint is the following interesting 
letter addressed to Governor Belcher by Hon. John Chandler, the 
Chief Justice : 

Worcester January 26* 1 740/1 
May It Please Your Excellency 

s-- 

I am very sensible Mr Sheriff Gookin 
has some enemies in this County as well as myself; I suppose we are envyed 
because we (by your Excellency's favour) enjoy Posts of Profitt within the 
same. 

I humbly apprehend if it be True what he tells me as doubtless tis, our 
neighbor Crosby had no Reason to Complain; However that be, yet I would 
humbly beg leave to inform your Excellency, that his conduct since he was 
before your Excellency and the Honourable Board is less Exceptionable 
then before. 

I humbly ask your Excellencys Pardon for making this Excuse for Mr 
Gookin, when my own conduct is so Liable to Exceptions. 

But Relying upon your Excellencys great Goodness to excuse mine, 
I am S'' your Excellencys 

most Humi'' Obed' & Dutifull Servant 

John Chandler 



21 

The reason for Judge Chandler's allusion to his own conduct 
being liable to exceiDtions, was on account of his connection with 
the Land Bank Scheme, to which I shall presently refer. 

With this gratifying statement of the Judge that Mr. Gookin 
had made some improvement in the management of his office, we 
must leave the subject, trusting that before his death in June, 
I 743,* he became a model Sheriff. 

The inventory of his estate, presented by Jabez Tatman, shows 
a value of only ;^i34. in all, which indicates that he did not grow 
rich during his administration. In the settlement of the estate no 
mention is made of his wife or children, although he had four 
children in Cambridge. 



MANUFACTORY BILLS OR LAND BANK SCHEME. 

In the year 1 740 the Province of Massachusetts Bay was passing 
through a period of financial difficulties occasioned by an over- 
issue of paper currency, whereby the credit of the Province was 
placed in a lamentable condition. Many schemes to meet the 
exigency and relieve the distress were proposed and abandoned ; 
and to add to the difficulty of the situation, Governor Belcher and 
his Council were not in accord with the views of the House as to 
the solution of the problem. 

Among the plans proposed by private individuals was that 
known as the Manufactory Company or Land Bank Scheme. 
This company was organized with about four hundred partners, 
with the design to loan the sum of ^150,000 on notes on land 
security, payable in twenty years in various articles of merchandise. 
The Governor was bitterly opposed to this company, and issued 
proclamations denouncing it as a fraud, and enjoining upon all in 
the civil and military service of the Province to discountenance it 
in every way upon peril of dismissal. 

Among the papers in the State Archives are lists returned by 
Registers of Deeds of all mortgages recorded in behalf of this 

*Juhe 17th, 1743, the Council had notice of his death, and on the 23d 
appointed Benjamin Flagg as his successor. 



22 

company. In these lists the names of many Worcester men ap- 
pear, among them the following : Daniel Bigelow, Robert Barber, 
Daniel Boyden, John Boyden, Luke Brown, Palmer Goulding, 
Elisha Hedge, James How, William Johnson, James Holden, 
Henry Lee, James Moore, Matthias Rice, Eliakim Rice, Gershom 
Rice, Jr., Jotham Rice, John Stearns, Daniel Ward. 

The Bank proved a sad failure either from the unsoundness of 
its basis, or the determined opposition of the Governor, or from 
both causes. 

My object in bringing this to your notice is to present letters 
from three gentlemen holding official positions in Worcester, show- 
ing their relations to the scheme, and with what spirit they "faced 
the music." The first letter is from William Jennison, Esq., one 
of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas ; the second from 
Chief Justice John Chandler ; and the third from Henry Lee, Esq., 
one of the Justices of the Peace. 

On the 6th of January, 1 740/1, by order of the Council, letters 
were addressed by the Secretary to the several Courts in the 
Province, instructing them "to take all convenient opportunities 
and methods both when in Court, and when separate to prevent 
the spreading of the great Fraud & particularly you are desired 
strictly to charge your officers by no means to pass receive or 
countenance the said Bills." [Mass. Archives, vol. 102, page 130.] 

In addition to this circular letter, it is very probable that specific 
charges were brought to the notice of the three gentlemen above 
named. 

Mr. Jennison 's reply was as follows : 

Worcester January ye g^^ i74o[i] 
Honored Sir 

This day I Receiued yours wharein your honour 
Informs me that his Exlency the Govenour and the Hono''^ Council are in- 
formed that I haue in Couriged the passing of the bills called manifactory 
bills over His Excellencys proclamation to warn all offesors in the Gouerment 
against In coriging the same Hon'''^ Sir this is to inform your honour thet 
be fou"" nor sen his Excellencys procklimation I never did anything to in 
Corige the pasing of S** bills for I never Licked them so well neather was I 
any way conserned about that afayor for I never Licked the Skeme that was 



23 

Laid about S'^ bills I can't say but I have sum time past Reseved sum of S^i 
bills but at this time I han't one of them and had youre honour not wrot to 
me about them I had Concluded not to have tacken them any moore 

I am Redy to answer any Complaint made against me on that acount sir & 
that I have write is the truth of the mater honored sir pray Give my duty to 
his Excellency and the hon''''^ Council and Sir I am your Honours most 

humbel Saruant 

William Jennison 

[Mass. Archives, vol. 102, page 132. This letter is in Mr. Jennison's hand- 
writing.] 

Judge Chandler's reply was : 

Worcester jAN^y io«h 1 740/1 
Honbi S"- 

Your letter of ye 6'h Instant I Rec*" by Oliver 
Partridge Esq. and in answer to it would Humbly say. 

I account it my Hon"" and Happiness to have such for my Judges in this 
affair, as I am Sure will hear me with Patience and give Judgment with mercy; 
So agreeable to their Known Justice, goodness & Clemency. 

The Truth of ye aftair is this; vizt; the night before I was called before ye 
Governour and Councill I was Accidentally in Company with CajJt Blanchard 
& two or three people living his way, and discourseing about the Line between 
This, & the province of New Hampshire, as Lately Settled by the King in 
Councill, I ask'd him whither Groton Gore so called, being a Tract of Land 
Lately Granted by the Generall Court would fall into New Hampshire, he 
said it would. I Replyed, I have one hundred Acres of Land in said Gore, 
and since it falls out of the province, I w^ sell it him for Just what he w<i give, 
& if he said Twas worth nothing, he should have it free or words to that effect. 
After a few words pass'd, he Reply'd I will give you four pound in Manufac- 
tory Bills & no more. I told him he had my word, and I would not go back, 
accordingly he paid me the Same at that time. The next day & soon after 
Mr. Blanchard* had been before ye Gov' & Councill, my Self being sent for 
also, I desired him to keep ye money till I had been up, being under Surprize 
& concern, but as the property was in me the Night before and as I informed 
the Hon''' Board how much I had in which Sum was included Said four 
pounds, I apprehended I did not Break my promis in taking what was my 
own before I believe I told this To the Hon''' Sam' Danforth Esq'' in Mr. 
Blanchards presence in order to set the matter in a True Light. I would Add 
that before Capt Blanchard & my Self had finished our Bargain Mr Partridge 

* Mr. Blanchard lost his position through his connection with the scheme. 



24 

I think came into ye same Room and heard Something of the Affair, & 1 left 
him with Mr. Blanchard and the other people. 

This may it please Your Hon"", is the Truth of this Story, if it is a Crime 
twas done in a Surprize, I hope my thus frankly discovering ye whole matter 
will not be improved to my disgrace or hurt, but Rather intitle me to favour, 
and Especially Since in answer to ye last Clause in your Hon''* Letter : I do 
with great freeness Sincerity and Honesty declare that I will not give coun- 
tenance directly or indirectly to the Bills called Land Bank or Manufactory 
Bills. This is my firm and finall Resolution in the affair. 
I am Hon" S^ 

Your very humble 

most Obliged and 

Obedt Sert 
To the Honbi John Chandler 

Josiah Willard Esq"". 

[Mass. Archives, vol. 102, page 133. This letter is a fine specimen of pen- 
manship.] 

The following is Mr. Lee's letter : 

From Henry Lee to Hon Josiah Willard, Secretary &c 
Sir 

In obedience to yours of April 3*1 I hereby Inform your Honour 
that haveing to the Best of my Power strictly Examined the Manufactory 
Scheam with all the Proceedings on it I am fully of opinion 'tis well calculated 
to serve the Interest of the Province and therefore am determined to do what 
I can to Encourage it and think that the Priviledge of an Englishman is my 
Suffishant warrant therefor espechally as it is not Contrary to aney lawful! 
Authority to do so for I never beared that the undertakers had evere a hering 
therefore think it impossible they should be condemned as yet — 

As I act my conscience I Regard being Punished aney way for Differing in 
my opinion from the Governor and Council to be a Civil Persecution and to 
be deprived of my office untell I be Proved unfaithfuU in it or have violate 
the laws of the Land I Look on as an invasion of my Nati\ e Rights But on 
the whole I think it [degrading?] your honours to aney man to sustain an 
office which must obledge him to so grate a meanness as blindly to follow the 
Inclinations of those above him tho not Prescribed much less Supported by 
Laws therefore to sacrifice my Post for the Servis of my Cuntry is Infinitely 
more Honourable then to keep it on such Base Condittions I am S"" your 

Humb' Servant 

Worcester Apl 14: 1741 Henry Lee 

[Mass. Archives, vol. 102, page 153. This letter is not in Mr. Lee's hand- 
writing, but his signature is affixed to it.] 



Without passing judgment upon the letters of Messrs. Jennison 
and Chandler, most certainly that of Mr. Lee is worthy of our 
highest commendation. The spirit manifested by him indicates 
his manliness in hving up to his convictions of right ; that same 
spirit which has given inspiration to multitudes under trial, and 
has led brave men to face dangers fearful and foes most bitter. 

The explanations of Messrs. Jennison and Chandler were, doubt- 
less, satisfactory ; but we can imagine the reception accorded to 
Mr. Lee's, and scarcely need to read that at a meeting of the 
Council, April 30, 1741, after hearing the above letter read, it was 
voted that Henry Lee be "dismissed and removed from his office 
of a Justice of the Peace in the County of Worcester." 

PALMER GOULDING's CURE. 

In 1 734 Palmer Goulding, of Worcester, petitioned the General 
Court for a gift of land in consideration of his making known an 
"infallible cure" for the bite of the rattlesnake. He failed to ob- 
tain what he desired, but in 1741 made another attempt, and pre- 
sented the following petition : 

"Palmer Goulding to General Court Sept 23 1741. 

"The memoriall of Palmer Goulding of Worcester Humbly 
Sheweth 

"That your memorialist in his travills, has with a Considerable 
Cost, attained to Such Skill and Knowledge, in the Curing the 
bite of a Ratle Snake, that were he present when a person was bit, 
he Could So soon Efectually Cure it, that y« person would never 
be Sensible of any hurt, and the Same medison if Ritely aplyed, 
has no les operation on y^ Body of men to Cure any Enflamaiion 
of y^ blood, or to prevent or Cure any breding Sore Whatsoever, 
a womans Sore brest or fever Sores, it is allso an Enfallible med- 
ison to Cure or prevent the Coming of fistilorr or pole Evill in 
horses, which Knowledge he is very willing to Comunicate for y^ 
good of mankind But inasmuch as he was Really at Considerable 

4 



26 

Cost in gaining y^ same, he most humbl)' prays your Excellency 
and Honers, would upon his So doing, be pleased to make him a 
grant of Sum of the wild and uncultivated Lands of the Province, 
and your memorialist will Cheerfully Submit to Such terms or con- 
ditions Respecting Setling, as your Excellency and Honers In your 
Great Wisdom Shall think proper & as in Duty Bound Shall Ever 
pray &c Palmer Goulding" 

[Mass. Archives, vol. 105, page 168.] 

The House of Representatives ordered that a tract of two hun- 
dred acres of land be granted Mr. Goulding upon certain condi- 
tions, and with the proviso that he should give such a description 
of the medicine that it might be publicly known, and bring credible 
proof of his having successfully applied the remedy in the several 
cases mentioned in the memorial, "whereof yet there is no certain 
demonstration." 

The Council refused to concur, but the matter was again brought 
up the following year and passed. I fail, however, to find any 
record of a survey or plan of land returned by Mr. Goulding, pos- 
sibly because of his inability to satisfy the authorities as to the 
value of his discovery. 

Accompanying these petitions are quite a number of certificates 
to the efficacy of the medicine. John Gray, of Worcester, had a 
heifer bitten in one of her feet by a rattlesnake, and Mr. Goulding 
gave her "some boiled herbs & cured her." Jacob Holmes was 
equally fortunate with a steer, after using a "root about y*^ Bigness 
of a wallnut" ; and John Durkin certified that some one gave him 
a horse that had been bitten by a ratdesnake, and after Mr. Gould- 
ing had applyed his remedies the creature "became a Considerable 
Horse a^ainy 

There are other certificates of equal value from men residing in 
the neighboring towns. It would be interesting to know if this 
remedy was ever disclosed to the public, or if the descendants of 
Mr. Goulding, still living in Worcester, can throw any light upon 
the matter. 



-/ 



PETITION OF INHABITANTS OF THE GORE. 

The following is a copy of a petition of several inhabitants of 
the Gore between Sutton and Worcester, asking to be annexed to 
the latter town. 

"February 14 : 1742/3 
"To the of Worcester etc. 

"The Humble Petition of us y^ 
Subscribers being Propriators of Lands in the County of Worces- 
ter & Adjoyning to said Town of Worcester and are now Living on 
said Land Called the County Goar and several of us having part 
of our Lands in Said Town of Worcester and what priuelidge we 
have Allredy Received, both sivel and Ecliseastical we Redeily 
acknowlidg we have Received in said Town of Worcester from 
both minister & people which lays us under Strong obligations to 
offer our Selves with our Lands Lying in Said Gore to be annexed 
to Said Town of Worcester as a part of Said Town both to doe 
Duty and Receive priuelidg if y^ Hon'*'' General Court So order it. 

"Gendm our Desire & Request is that the Town of Worcester 
will take our Difficult Circumstances in such a Dark and Difficult 
day as this is under Consideration and So far Incourige us as to 
pass a vote of said Town with Submition to General Court to ac- 
cept of us & our lands aforesd to be annexed as a part of said 
Town of Worcester both to doe I )uty & to Receive priuelidges 
Equil to other Inhabitents of said Town- 

"And Further to appoint a Comitte to Preffer a Petition with us 
the Subscribors to the grate and General Court in order to obtain 
y^ desired End or any other way that the Town in their wisdom 
Shall think best to obtain an act of y*^ (leneral Court for that pur- 
pose 

"Gent'^m we offer one thing more to your Consideration which 
Incouriges us to ask such a feauour ; besides the peace and good 
order, those is in y*^ Church and Town which is Sufficiant wear 



28 

there no other — part of y^ aforesd land was formerly Remoued 
by y^ General Court from y^ place whear your meetinghouse now 
stands for y^ accomodating of your Town, to y^ place, and being 
part of y^ land above mentioned & with that Reserve that it Joyned 
to Worcester ; which seems to us strongly Inplyed by y^ General 
Court that it was their Intention that part of said Land Last men- 
tioned should be annexed to the Town of Worcester if not part of 
sd Town 

"And as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c 

"Ephrim Curtis 
"a true Coppy Exam" "Thomas Richardson 

"f Jonas Rice T CI "Danil Boyden 

"Timothy Green 
"John Barber 
"Jabez Tatman 
"Matthias Rice" 

[Mass. Archives, vol. 115, page 9. The Petition to the General 
Court for this object is in Mass. Archives, vol. 115, pages 22-23. 
A copy is printed in "Early Records of the Town of Worcester," 
Book II., page 38. It will be found in the second volume of The 
Worcester Society of Antiquity's Collections.] * 



ADDITIONAL ITEMS. 

The following items escaped my notice while preparing the 
paper entitled Incidents of the First and Seco?id Settlements of 
Worcester, read before the Society last year. 

"July 22, 1689. Ordered that six men be allowed for the strength- 
ening of the Garrison at Worcester until farther orders. 

*The original petition of the inhabitants of the north part of Worcester, 
now Holden, for incorporation as a district or town, with accompanying 
papers, is in Mass. Archives, vol. 114, pages 525, 558, 590. The documents 
are printed in full in the History of Holden. 



29 

"Sept. I, 1689 10"^ powder & shot to be furnished to Capt Wing & 
Serg' Edw*^ Taylor, John Pym, and John Carely were dis- 
mist from prison upon the promise to go out with Cap"® 
Wing to y^ Garrison at Worcester. 

"Aug 9, 1689. Cap'"^ Wing have six of the soldiers late drawn off 
from Sagadahock to be sett up to the Reliefe of Worces- 
ter And that Captain Wing discharge their Quarters : And 
dispose of them for the safety of said place. Cap'"^ Timothy 
Prout is likewise ordered to deliver to Cap"" Wing Ten 
pound of powder and a proportionable Quantity of Shott 
for the use of Worcester. 

"Oct 25, 1 69 1. In answer to Capt Jno Wing his pet" ordered that 
Capt Penn Townsend Capt Ephraim Hunt and decon John 
Haynes be aded to Capt Jn° prentice mr Adam Winthrop 
Capt Jn"" Wing [who] were appointed to be of a Comittee 
for the ordering and setling of the plantation called Wor- 
cester Anny four of them being fully Impowered to Act 
in that affair according to former order of this Court." 
[Mass. Archives, vol. 81 : Council Records.] 

The names of Mr. Townsend and Mr. Hunt have not before 
appeared in the lists of committees for managing Worcester affairs. 



30 

RUTLAND AND THE INDIAN TROUBLES, 

1723-30. 

BY FRANCIS E. BLAKE. 

PREFATORY. 
RECORDS OF THE PROPRIETORS OF RUTLAND TOWNSHIP. 

The Proprietors of this township, numbering thirty-two persons 
representing thirty- three shares, held their first meeting in Boston, 
April 14, 1 714. Subsequent meetings were held at very irregular 
intervals until 1770, two or three years sometimes passing by, and 
at one period thirteen years, without a meeting, the necessity for 
more frequent gatherings being obviated by placing the general 
management of the business in the hands of a standing committee. 

Among the places mentioned in the records where the Proprie- 
tors held their meetings in Boston, were the Star, King's Head, 
Green Dragoti, Exchange or Royal Exchange, Light House, and 
British Coffee House taverns ; and the private houses of Rev. 
Thomas Prince, T. Allen, Jonas Clarke, Thos. Hubbard, John 
Jeffries, Thos. Fairweather, Faith Waldo, and Moses Gill. 

The records of these Proprietors' meetings have, fortunately, 
been preserved. The writer of this article learning that such 
records were in existence fifty years ago, made a diligent and 
prolonged search for them which resulted in finding two volumes 
covering the period from 1714 to 1770. One of these was in the 
possession of Hon. Charles T. Russell, of Cambridge, the historian 
of Princeton ; the other in the hands of Mrs. Edwin Woods, of 
Barre. 

These books were never the property of the Town of Rutland, 
nor of any other town, but of the Proprietors of the Township, by 
whom they, with all their plans of land, were committed to the 
custody of their clerk, until 1767, when Hon. Moses Gill was 
authorized to hold all the papers and books for safe keeping. 
Although the volumes contain some items of general interest, yet 
they are of special worth to the towns originally forming a part of 
the township. They show the distribution or allotment of land in 




PLAN OK RUTLAND, MASS. 

I Meeting House. 2 Cemetery. 3 Rev. Joseph Willanl's house, 1724; 
Muschopauge Hotel, 1885. 4 Capt. Sam'l Wright's house, 1724. 5 I't- ^'"^"" 
Davis's house, 1724. 6 Dea. Joseph Stevens's House, 1724. 7 Where the 
Stevens boys were killed, 1723. 8 - 9 Both these spots are indicated on a 
plan by Dea. Reed as the place where Rev. Mr. Willard was killed, 9 l'^>"g 
on the border of the ministry meadow. 



31 

the several divisions, the grants for mills, taverns and ministers, 
the methods adopted to raise funds to meet expenses of surveys, 
repairs of roads, building of bridges, etc. They also contain the 
plans of the lots in the Northwest Quarter (Barre), and Northeast 
Quarter (Hubbardston). Unfortunately the plans of the East 
Wing (Princeton) and West Wing (Oakham) were not recorded, 
although the clerk was directed so to do. 

The plans of the "Settlers Part" are with the town records of 
Rutland, and copies of the divisions of lands in Barre and Hub- 
bardston are in these respective towns. The origina/ phn of Barre, 
however, showing the various lots, the streams and "paths" is in 
possession of the writer. It was drawn in 1739 by Rev. Thomas 
Prince, and bears the endorsement of Adam Winthrop for the 
Proprietors, and of Abner Lee, the surveyor. Mr. Prince became 
one of the Proprietors in 1723, and until his death was one of the 
most efficient among their number. To him was committed the 
drawing of many of their plans, and the few that have escaped 
destruction indicate excellent workmanship. 

The two volumes of records, so long separated, have, by the 
cheerful cooperation of Mr. Russell and Mrs. Woods, been brought 
together, and by them presented to the Town of Princeton, to be 
placed in the fire-proof safe in the Goodnow Memorial Building. 
An index has been prepared to facilitate examination of the records. 



In 1686 certain Indians conveyed by deed to Henry Willard 
and others, a tract of land twelve miles square, which purchase 
was confirmed by the General Court, February 23, 1 713/14, to the 
heirs of Simon Willard. This tract, embracing the present towns 
of Rutland, Barre, Hubbardston and Oakham, and a large portion 
of Princeton and Paxton, was called Rutland.* 

December 14, 1715, the Proprietors set off an area of six miles 
square, which was known as "the Settlers Part," and was incor- 
porated as the Town of Rutland in 1722. The progress of this 
settlement had been comparatively rapid, some forty or fifty families 

*In regard to the name given this territory see Proceedings of this Society 
for 1884, page 99. 



32 

at that date having made their homes there. With lands unbroken, 
roads poor and few in number, the settlers found enough to occupy 
their time in erecting houses for their families, providing shelter 
for their cattle, and clearing the lands and bringing them under 
cultivation. These hardships, incident to all new settlements, were 
increased by the fear of the Indian foe, from whose depredations 
many a New England town had suffered, and the mere suspicion 
of whose presence spread anxiety in the homes of the people. 

The inhabitants took such precautions as their slender means 
permitted, and provided garrisons to which their families could 
resort in the hour of danger ; and in 1722 a fort was ordered to 
be built about the house of the minister, which was located upon 
the hill on what is now the main street of the town. A portion of 
this house was lately standing on or near the the same spot, form- 
ing a part of the hotel. There must have been quite a number of 
these garrisons in different parts of the settlement, but I have been 
unable to determine their location ; and it is surprising that the 
order for building the fort is the only reference upon the books of 
the Town or the records of the Proprietors, to any precautions 
taken by the inhabitants to avert danger, and neither of the words 
Indian or enemy once appears there. 

Although the protection afforded by these garrisons was imper- 
fect, yet it was all that in the circumstances could be provided, 
and at least, the people felt a degree of security from this con- 
centration of men and arms. 

With the year 1722 came rumors of discontent among the 
Abenakis or Eastern Indians, occasioned by real or fancied wrongs 
in the taking of their lands, and this was fomented and increased 
by the machinations of the French officials in Canada. The note of 
alarm was sounded throughout the settlements of the Province, 
and a large proportion — perhaps two-thirds — of the families in 
Rutland left the town ; but it was not until the succeeding year, 
1 723, in the early summer, that the Indians commenced their bitter 
work, carrying confusion and distress to every frontier town. 
Rumors became realities, and the stories of the past, when the cry 
of the savage made pale the faces of women and children clinging 



for protection to husbands, fathers and brothers, whose own 
stout hearts ahnost quailed before the dreaded foe, were again to 
be repeated. 

On the 13th of August, 1723, Gray Lock, an old chief of the 
Waranokes, whose hiding-place during the early summer had been 
unknown, with four other Indians, approached the town of North- 
field, and there, waylaying two of its prominent men, killed them 
on the spot ; and long before the inhabitants could organize a force 
for pursuit, they were far beyond reach on the way to the exposed 
settlement of Rutland. Hovering about the town, easily concealed 
by the woods, with which they were doubtless familiar, they awaited 
an opportunity to wreak their vengeance upon some of the innocent 
people there. The succeeding day, Wednesday, the 14th of 
August, Deacon Joseph Stevens was at work alone in a meadow 
(probably the ministry meadow) a half mile northeast of the meet- 
ing house. Four of his sons, leaving their home upon the hill, 
went down into the meadow to join their father, when they were 
suddenly surrounded by the five Indians, who quickly with their 
blows killing two, Samuel and Joseph, seized the others, Phinehas 
and Isaac, and held them captives. The father heard the cries 
and saw the fearful deed, but knowing that he was utterly power- 
less to cope with the savages, escaped into the neighboring bushes, 
and from thence subsequently to his home. 

Three of the Indians guarded the two boys, while two passing 
on, laid in wait for Simon Davis and his son Simon, who were at 
work in a meadow near by, unconscious of the impending danger. 
Mr. Davis, however, prevented the accomplishment of the plan by 
fortunately returning home by another path, and the Indians, 
thwarted in their designs, moved onward to join their companions, 
and while in sight of them, near the southeasterly corner of Cheney 
hill, came upon the Rev. Mr. Willard, the minister of the town, 
who with his gun had been hunting game. Both of the Indians 
fired upon him, but did him no harm, while he returned the fire, 
severely wounding one of them. The other sprang upon him and 
the two closed together, fought for the mastery, and when the 
valor and strength of the minister seemed about to overcome the 
savage, the three other Indians running to the spot, cjuickly over- 



34 

powered him and took his life. The only witness to tell of this 
deed in after years, Phinehas Stevens, testified to the brave resist- 
ance and the manliness of Mr. Willard in this struggle for his life. 

With the two captive boys, a portion of the clothing and the 
scalp of the murdered man, and their own wounded companion, 
the Indians hastened away to the north without stopping on their 
march to molest others, retreating to a fort erected on the shore 
of Missisquoi Bay, at the northerly end of Lake Champlain. 

The long dreaded hour had come to the town, and as the fami- 
lies gathered about their homes or in the garrisons, naturally 
clinging together for better security, the Httle that was known of 
the sorrowful events of the day was rehearsed in every detail again 
and again. Two houses were desolate ; in one, a widow with her 
only child mourned the loss of her brave husband, and in the 
other, loving parents grieved for two dead and two captive boys.* 

The news of the massacres at Northfield and Rutland was speedily 
sent by messenger to Boston, and on the i6th of August the Lieu- 
tenant-Governor issued orders for the impressment of men to be 
assigned to duty on the northern and western frontiers to scout 
and range the woods with increased vigilance. 

The following account of the tragedy was published in Boston :t 

"At Rutland on the 14th, a .Scout of 10 or 14 Indians came suddenly upon 
yoseph Stevens and four of his sons (as they were making Hay in a Meadow,) 
the Father hid in the Bushes and got safe home, but his Sons fell a Prey to 
the Enemy, two whereof were found Murder'' d, but they hear nothing of the 
other two. Mr. yoseph Willard the Minister went out with his Gun a little 
before the Children were taken, his Body was afterwards found Barbarously 
Murder'd by those Blood thirsty Heathen : it was Decently Interr'd on Friday 
the i6th." 

It is doubtless true that the murder of Mr. Willard, from his 
position as a minister of the gospel, as one has remarked, "sent a 
thrill of horror through the country," while the loss, sustained by 
Deacon Stevens appealed strongly to the sympathy of all. 

* Tradition relates that amid the sadness and excitement of the week that 
followed, one little fellow first opened his eyes upon the world in one of the 
garrisons, where the mother had sought protection. 

t Boston News Letter, No. 102 1, .A.ug. 1723. 



35 

In a letter written by Lieutenant-Governor Dummer to Mons. 
Vaudreuil, the Governor of Canada, January 19, 1724 (referring 
to the alleged massacre of Father Ralle, a Jesuit teacher), he says : 
"And I think I have much greater cause to complain that Mr. 
Willard, the Minister of Rutland (who never had been guilty of 
the Facts chargeable upon Mr. Ralle), was by the Indians you 
sent to attack that Town, assaulted. Slain & Scalped & his Scalp 
carried in triumph to Quebec."* 

The military forces in the service of the Province were small in 
number, the equipment very deficient, and but few men could be 
assigned to each town for its defence. In October following the 
raid on Rutland there was a scout in that town under command 
of Capt. Wrightj consisting of only seven men, and loud calls for 
help were sent to the authorities. One letter of Capt. Wright J 
shows the condition of affairs at that time, and the anxiety of the 
people. In November the force was increased to thirty-five men, 
to cover the country from Brookfield to Worcester, and the Gov- 
ernor writes the Captain : "I doubt not but you will be very vigil- 
ant in y"" Command & if possible Shew us the Scalp of an Enemy," 
something we fear Capt. Wright never had the pleasure of doing. § 

Many of the inhabitants of the town who had, up to this time, 
faced the dangers, feared longer to remain, and left the place seek- 
ing homes in less exposed settlements. In October another de- 
scent was made upon Northiield by the enemy, who again returned 
to their hiding places ; and no further trouble was experienced in 
Rutland in the year 1723. The Indians appear to have desisted 
from their warfare during the winter months, and the people had 
a little respite from their trials. 

As the spring of 1724 opened the Indians were on the alert. 
They required no expensive outfit, and from their familiarity with 
the paths through the woods, and the many places of safe retreat, 

* For interesting facts regarding Mr. Willard see Appendix H. The story 
of Mr. Stevens's trials and attempts to regain his captive boys is given in full 
in Appendix I. 

tF"or facts regarding Capt. Wright see Appendix K. 

i Appendix A. § Appendix B. 



36 

their work could be done speedily and effectively. They learned 
to study the habits of the settlers, and would lay in wait to pounce 
upon them unawares, and retreat unmolested. Capt. Wright re- 
ceived a few additional soldiers, but complained of the inefficiency 
of some who knew nothing of the use of guns.* 

By June, Old Gray Lock with his own men, some Abenakis and 
others who had joined him, were on the move, watching their op- 
portunity to fall again upon the town of Northfield. All through the 
summer the dwellers of Groton, Dunstable, Lancaster, Rutland, 
and other exposed towns, were calling for soldiers to protect their 
homes, and to guard the men in the fields making their hay and 
gathering their crops. In Rutland a few of the inhabitants were 
enlisted as soldiers, and by July there were, in all, thirty-eight men 
posted in and about the town. 

The letters of Capt. Wright give a good idea of the condition 
of affairs at this time, when the Indians were "keeping them in a 
continual hubbub."t The help which Capt. Wright had hoped for 
was not supplied, and on Monday, the 3d of August, 1724, his 
fears were realized in the appearance of the enemy, and Rutland 
once more became the scene of disaster and death. A letter 
written by the Captain on the afternoon or evening of that day, 
only a few hours after the event, tells the story ; and we can 
imagine with what haste a messenger was sent to Boston to convey 
the news. 

May it please your Hon"'' 

these are to Informe your Hon'"' That 
what I feared is Come upon us for want [of men] to guard us at our work ; 
this day about 12 a'clock five men & a boy, being in a meadow (in the middle 
of the Town) making hay; a number of Indians Surrounded them and shot 
first at the boy, which allarmd the men — they Ran to their guns, but the In- 
dians shot down three of the men and Scalp'd them wounded another in 
the arm a flesh wound who gat home the fift gat home without any danger, 
the boy is not yet found, the action was hardly ouer before Coll Tyng Came 
into Town with 30 men but was a Little too Late but we Joyned him and 
Divided our men one parity with the Coll to follow the other with me to head 
them but they gat away another way than which we thought and were before 
us the Coll sent back for provisions and is now in quest of them, our men 

* Appendix C. t Appendix D. 



37 

what we could Make Joyned him. not more being in hast but begg your 
Hon"'' would have pitty upon us and not Let us be kept here without Cover- 
ing which we had had seasonably we might have made our party good with 
them; I am yo"' 

Hono" most humble servt 
Rutland aug' 3d 1724 Sam" Wright 

thee men that are killed are James Clark Joseph Wood & Uriah Ward 

(the boy missing is James Clark abousd the men that escaped are 

Daniel B[ovvker?] and Eleazer Ball who is wounded. 

Superscribed : 

On his Maj''«'» Service 

His Hono'' William Dummer 
Liev' Gouenour &c 

at Boston * 

A brief account of this affair was published in Boston papers. 

Letters from Capt. Wright of the 5th and 7th of August show 
the attempts made to pursue the Indians ; and Col. Tyng, who 
reached the town "a little too late" for effective service, gives an 
account of himself and replies to criticisms upon his movements.! 

The more we read the reports made by the officers during this 
war, the more clearly do we see that the soldiers were always a 
little behind the enemy, reaching their camping places just too late 
for capture, and discovering their tracks only to find the savages 
vanished. This was due in a measure to the inefficient equipment 
and discipline of the troops, but in a greater degree to the better 
knowledge of the country possessed by the Indians, and their 
ability to hide in, and range through the woods and over the 
mountains. 

Of the five men who exposed themselves, as Capt. Wright says, 
"so rashly" on the 3d of August, four at least were in the service 
as soldiers, and probably the fifth also. Nothing is known regard- 
ing the fate of the boy reported as missing. J 

This second attack upon Rutland greatly aroused the fears of 
the people there, and t][uickened the vigilance of the soldiers. 
The Governor saw the necessity of larger detachments of men and 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, page 183. fSee Appendix E. 

X Some items of interest relating to the three men killed as above narrated 
Uriah Ward, Joseph Wood and James Clark, appear in Appendix H. 



38 

continual activity, and through the succeeding fall and winter a 
strong military guard was on duty at Rutland. Several times the 
Indians were discovered lurking about the town, but they accom- 
plished nothing, neither did the scouts manage to accomplish 
the capture of even one Indian. The condition of the inhabitants 
in the early winter of 1725 is described in the following memorials 
to the Lieutenant-Governor and Council : 

Province of the Mass Bay 

To the Hon''''^ William Dunimer Esqr 
Lt Governour and Commander in Cheif &c 
the petition of the Inhabitants of Rutland hereto Subscribers, 
Humbly Sheweth 

That Whereas yr pef^ ye last Sumer 
laboured under Great Difficultys and hardships by reason of the warr with 
the Indian Enemy; not being able to raise the Corn & other provisions, so 
that they were obliged to travell near twenty miles for ye same & purchase it 
at a very dear rate, which renders it vei-y difficult to Subsist them selves & 
their fifamilys more Especially ye Soldiers posted there, the allowance made 
for them by the Province being so small that the pef* find by Experience 
they cannot afford to billet them at that rate. And ye said Inhabitants being 
but few in number could they have the benefit of being Soldiers there, they 
would be the better able to go thro their sd difficulty, & hardships. 

Wherefore ye pef*' humbly pray that Pour of their number may be added 
to the Five Soldiers already allowed of ye Inhabitants, and put under ye Care 
of some proper officer to be appointed in ye Town, as a Town Scout, wch 
would be much For ye benefit & advantage of ye Town in General, what 
they desire or otherwise y' Four of ye Soldiers there that are not Inhabitants 
may be released & Four others belonging to the Town put in their room, to 
be added to ye Five aforement''. as a Town scout under a proper officer. 
And this yr pef* conceive to be very reasonable for there are divers soldiers 
there now allowed of, who only removed oft' their ffamileys & in a week or 
some Short time returned again as Soldiers under pay, by means whereof they 
have a Great advantage beyond yr pef'* For that they can now as well take 
care of their Estates as when their Familys were there ; and unless the pef^ can 
be releived in the premises they must necessarily leave their Settlements in 
ye Spring & the Town will be intirely broke up. and as in duty bound they 
shall ever pray &c 

J , **'% ,, Dunkin M farland John laccoar juner 

•^° marl '''"'°''"' ' William ftentcn Robard Maklkm* 

Malkem hendery Elexander x' Bothall 

Moses How mark 

* Massachusetts .Archives, vol. 72, page 219. Probable date, Feb., 1725. 



39 

To I,t Gov. Duminer & Council, Memorial of Tlios .Smith. 

The presing requests and desires of the Inhabitants 
of Rutland, that I would represent to yo'' Honours, their Difficult Circum- 
stances, in their behalf's to Petition for further regards and Protection is the 
occation of my troubling y'' Hon" with this Memorial wherein I take Leave 
to Say, that through the Difticultyes, dangers, the said Inhabitants Laboured 
under, the year past, by reason of the present warr; they were Disabled and 
prevented, the providing of food Sufficient for themselves and & familyes, & 
now are obliged to goe Tenn, and Sometimes fifteen miles or more, to pur- 
chase pro\ision.s that its computefl (at tlie I>east) their pro\ision costs them 
Seven shillings for Each person pr week, whilst they are allowed but live' 
Shillings for billitting their Soldiers &c; The present apprehensions they now 
are in, of the Indian Enemy being Lurking about their garrisons (as they 
have reason to believe) and their fears (if the warr continves) that they shall 
be again Disabled or prevented, the providing food for themselves & Creatures, 
the Ensueing Summer; the number of their Inhabitants being reduced to a 
very few i.*v:c as also the Soldiers which Last \'ear were thirty live. Eleven of 
which were since ordered to brooktield and they being a barrier to foure or 
five other Towns i.S:c. under all w hich Circumstances, they are c]uite Discour- 
aged to Stand it out any Longer; and not being able so to Continve Seame 
resolved to Draw off some of them forthwith, and the rest in about a month, 
that this Town will become Destitute of Inhabitants unless by yo'' Hono" 
power it be timely prevented, by putting a number of the present Inhabitants 
into the service of the Province that thereby they may be Enabled to Subsist 
there, also when y'' Hono'' think propper by adding to the number of their 
Soldiers; or Such other Methods be taken as in yo'' Honours Great Wisdom 
you may think best. 

Feb. 12 I724[5] 

Kndorsed : 

"(/apt. Sanv Wright's Memorial'"* 

The Council promptly considered the petitions and advised the 
Lieutenant-Governor to "put four of the Memorialists into the 
service & pay of the Crovt." 

The Journals of Capt. Wright covering a period of nearly a year 
from Nov. 27, 1724, have been preserved, and are very interest- 
ing. From their perusal the reader can gain some idea of the 
difficulties surrounding the settlers in their daily avocations, and 
also of the duties the military were called upon to perform.! 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 113, page 672. 
t See .Vppendix F. 



40 

A letter of Capt. Wright written in May, 1725, sent "by Moses 
Rice from Worcester," is worth the reading. 

May it please your honor : 

I give your honor thanks for care of us in sending 
a new recruit of 12 men. Your honor's directions were, to scout, but at 
present we have business. The Indians are among us, and have discovered 
themselves several times, and we have had several pursuits after them, and 
have been very vigilant in prosecuting all methods to come up with them by 
watching and ranging the swamps and lurking places, and by watching a 
nights in private places without the garrisons : but they are so much like 
wolves that we cannot yet surprise them, but hope we shall by some means 
trepan them. We have now taken a method to hunt them with dogs, and 
have started them out of their thickets twice, and see them run out, but at 
such a distance we could not come at them. Having an opportunity, thought 
it my duty to acquaint your honor with it : but having but a minutes time to 
write could but only give you an account in short, and remain your honor's 
dutiful and obliged servant. Samuel Wright.* 

The detachment of twelve men referred to continued in service 
several months, "lying round the meadows while the people were 
making & getting in their hay."t In October orders were issued 
to reduce the number of soldiers on the frontiers, "the Enemy 
being drawn off & the Season of Danger pretty well over," and 
twenty-five men were reserved for Rutland. There was, however, 
but little for the soldiers to do, and in December following, a treaty 
of peace with the Eastern Indians being signed, hostilities ceased. 

A few of the absent families returned to the town immediately 
upon the announcement of peace, but others either abandoned or 
sold their farms and made their homes elsewhere. A petition 
presented to the General Court by Simon Davis, in behalf of the 
town, in December, 1727, shows how the growth of the place was 
retarded, and sets forth clearly their condition at that time as to 
the support of public worship. 

* American .Antiquarian Society's manuscripts. Copied by permission. 

fThe instructions given Capt. Wright and other oflicers, their own reports 
with names of Rutland men in the service, and other papers relating thereto, 
will be found in Appendix (1. 



41 

This petition, praying that a tax of a penny an acre might be 
laid on lands of non-residents and others for the support of the 
ministry, recites that "about three or four years since Mr. Willard 
the then Minister of the S'^ Town, was killed by the Ridian Enemy, 
and it being a time of Warr, many of the Inhabitants of the S** 
Town (who were in number Sixty Families then Setled) drew off 
and left their habitations, So that there was not above Fifteen 
Families remaining. But after ye Peace with the Indians was 
Concluded, several of them returned again, and are now grown to 
the number of Twenty Five Families or thereabout. 

"And being willing to promote the said Settlement and keep up 
the Worship of God among them, have called another Minister 
there, who abt three months since was Ordained, & made pro- 
vision so farr as they are able For his honourable Support and a 
Meeting house being Erected, the Outside thereof is Inclosed, 
and they are Finishing the same with what Speed they can. But 
by reason of the Smalness of their number, they Find it very 
difficult at present, to provide a Suitable Support for their Minister, 
the Non Resident Proprietors (many of them) declining Either to 
settle on their Lands, or to pay towards his Support," etc.* 

After the sad experience of the past, the presence of an Indian 
in their neighborhood caused suspicion and anxiety ; and as late 
as 1 730, quite a commotion was excited by the report that some 
Indians were near the town, and the action of the Provincial Gov- 
ernment, given below, shows how easily the authorities were dis- 
turbed by such rumors. 

Sir, 

I have considered your Relation refering to the Appearanc 
of the Indians near Rutland, and I Judge it necessary and accordingly order 
that you immediately consult with Some of the Principal Officers in the neigh- 
bouring Towns, and with them agree upon two or three discreet Persons (one 
to be an Interpreter) to send forthwith on a Message to the Indians to this 
Effect : 

That the Lieut Governor is informed of their being gathered in a Body 
near our Frontiers, which makes the Inhabitants uneasie and fearful! of going 
on their necessary Business. And therefore he desires to know the occasion 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 113, page 732. 

6 



42 

of their assembling in so Extraordinary a manner. That as this Government 
has done Justice to the Indians and Exactly performed all the Articles of the 
Treaty of Peace and will still do every Thing on their Part to maintain the 
same, so they Expect that the Indians according to their Engagements in 
the said Treaty behave themselves peaceably towards the English and not 
give them any Disturbance in their Business or hurt their Creatures, Corn, 
Hay & other Things belonging to them. And that if the Indians have any 
message to me it shall be carefully delivered. 

Immediately upon the return of the messengers Send me an account of 
the affair, and in the mean Time see that your People are well on their Guard 
& sufficiently provided with Arms & Ammunitions, and that they don't straggle 
alone in the woods. 

If any Assault should be made on you Send forthwith to the officers of 
the neighbouring Towns to come to your assistance. 

Your Serv' 
Boston Aug 8, 1 730. W'" Taylor 

To Capt Samuel Wright 

In Rutland * 

Upon receipt of this letter Capt. Wright consulted with others, 
and selected Joseph Wilder, Esq., Capt. John Shepley and Capt. 
Samuel Willard to carry the message to the Indians, and their 
report is as follows : 

Rutland august ye 14"^ 1730 
May it Pleas your Excellency 

Wee the Subscribers, Persewant to an 
order from the Leuten' Govern''to the Commishon Officers of ye neighbouring 
Towns haue bin in Quest of ye Indians that are hunting aboue our frunteer 
Towns : and on the Thirteenth of this Instant : about seven miles north of 
Rutland and five miles west of wachuset we Lit on a Campt of Indians, being 
Sixteen in number viz : nine men Two women and five Children, Six of which 
men told us that they Came from Albaney. We Delivered them the Govern""' 
message : they Seamed to us very frendly and told us that they had bin hunt- 
ing in them woods about thirty Days, that they knew of but four Indians be- 
sides them selves that ware hunting on this side Northfield, and that they 
had not heard any of ye Indians any tim this year express any Dissatisfaction 
toward ye English wee are your Excell-^ in all Duty • 

To His Excellency Joseph Wilder 

Jonathan Belcher Esq"" John Sheple 

Capt General &c Sam" Willard f 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, page 376. 
t Massachusetts Archives, vol. 31, page 170. 



43 

To His Excellency ye Governour and to the Hono'''^ His Majesties Council 
and Hous of Representatives in General Court assembled at Cambridge the 
26"' of august 1 730 

An accompt of Joseph Wilder John Sheply and Samuel Willard of Service 
Don ye Province Persewant to an order of Hon''''^ the Liue' Governour, in 
Reparing in to the woods above Rutland to Demand of the Indians Huntin 
their a reson of their assembling there in such an Exterordinari maner : on 
ye 1 1 of august Curent and onward praying ye Courts alowance — 
John Wilder 3 Dayes 6/ o. 18. o 

John Sheply 4 Dayes 6/ I. 4. O 

Samuel Willard 3 Dayes o. 18. o 

Phinehas Stephens i Day Pilot o. 6. o 

Expended in money i. 14. i 



August ye 14th 1730. Joseph Wilder 

Sam' Willard 
John Sheple* 

This bill was paid the following month. 

We have no account of any subsequent disturbance in Rutland 
occasioned by the Indians. 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 31, page 169. 



44 



APPENDIXES. 



It is intended to include in these Appendixes copies of all the 
Official Papers relating to the Mihtary Service in Rutland, 1723- 
1 730, which do not appear in the preceding pages. 



APPENDIX A. 

An abstract of a letter from Capt. Wright. 

Oct 16 1723 

If it might be that we might have our Scout much biger 

Seven men being too Little to Range without our Town, from the 
Watchusett Hills on the Back Side of Ware River, & so to the 
Back side of Brookfield, which might be of tenn times the Service 
to these Towns, that this Scout can be, because these Scouts only 
goe in Small percels within the Towns where we may be sure will 
come no Indians, Except One or two to Spie who go So private 
they cant be seen. But on the back side the Indians Lye and 
hunt, about twelve miles distance &c. from the Town, so that we 
hearing their gunns if our Scouts were Strong might follow or track 
them, and so we may Likely have advantage upon them but our 
Scouting between the Towns dos but putt the Cuntry to Charge ; 
& not Likely to Discover «& Destroy any Indians. 

It might be best to take them out of the three Towns, to which 
the Scout belongs if the authority thinks fitt, or of others as they 
think best ; but it is my Humble opinion, it will be best to alter 
the Scout as before mentioned, and to have about 25 men to- 
geather w'^^ might be able to give them battle, if they should Light 
on a Large party of the Enemy, who Lye there in biger parcels, 
and so Divide into Less, to our Several Towns &c This comes 
with Lievt Newel of Leicester who is of the same opinion about 
this affaire & So are all the officers in the front, that I have Spoke 



45 

with, who will no Doubt back me in this affaire &c. our people 
are Daily drawing off w''^ is very Discouraging to those y' reniaine 
I wish the govern' would do Something to prevent it. 
Rutland Octob"' i6 1723* 



APPENDIX B. 

Sir, Having commissionated You to Command a Party of Men 
in his Majesties Service for the Security of the Towns of Brook- 
field, Leicester, Rutland, Shrewsbury & Worcester, These are to 
Order you to make up your Company thirty five able bodied 
effective Men & the Remainder if any there be in the s"* Towns 
to dismiss — to keep the said Party of Men constantly Scouting 
(either together or a Part as may be most for the Service) & 
guarding & ranging about those Towns in Places most likely for 
discovery of the Enemy & so as best to protect & encourage the 
Inhabitants. Let me have a constant Ace' of y'' Proceedings. 

Nov. 9, 1723. [To] L' Sam" Wright.f 

Sir Boston, Nov 25, 1723. 

I rec*^ y'' Letf of Nov, 21 & the Journal enclosed, I 
have nothing ag^' Changing y"" Men for better, so as the Service 
may be advanced & as you desire for the Scouts of y'' Town, as- 
suring my Self that you will take no Money or Reward of any 
Person for so doing, w*^*^ has been practiced by Some Officers 
formerly of whom Compl'^ were made And no Officer who shall 
be found guilty of any Such Corruption shall continue in the Ser- 
vice while I have the Hon'' to Command. I shall give the Treas"" 
ord" about y'' ammunition : I doubt not but you will be very 
vigilant in y"" Command & if possible Shew us the Scalp of an 
Enemy. W DummerJ 

Cpt Sam" Wright § 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, page 262. 
t Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, page 132. 
J Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, page 139. 
§This is in Secretary Willard's writing. 



46 
APPENDIX C. 

Rutland april i6th 1724 
May it please your Hono'' 

I have attended your Last Instructions, 
as to the gaurd and scouting it gives pretty good Content, but the 
Changing our Inhabitants makes the Case more diffucult then it 
was before, for my order was to Immediately dismiss the Inhabi- 
tants that were in the service here, Two of which were my Clerk 
& a Corporal, men most fit and Capeable for Service of any in the 
Company, which is a great weakening to the Service being men 
used to the Woods and Leading the men, and the men put in 
their Room are Irish men, who (at Least one of them) I sopose 
scarce ever shoot of a gun in their Lives so that we have a name 
for so many men when Indeed some of them stand for o. those 
fore mention 2 men being at first Imprest for the standing Scout 
ordered their affairs to attend wholey upon duty being single men, 
and now being out of business are moveing away to leave the 
Town, to loose which I had rather Loose four other men, (but I 
have thoughts that if your Hon'' think it might be best to put them 
in the Room of those two Leicester men that are dismist) (tho' I 
have sent to the Inhabitants moved of from Rutland as I was di- 
rected yet they will not Come back, because it is sumer and Ingaged 
in business & those Two men before mentioned being going of ) 
it might answer the End as well to keep them in y^ Room of the 
Leicester men, and let them be Standing men, if your Hono"" think 
best to grant this it is thought it may be best for the service but if 
not pray your Hono'' to giue order for Impressing men in the Room 
of those Two Leicester men. there is so much diffuculty in Ex- 
changing all the Inhabitants Som of them quarilsome Irish men 
for fear they should not be in so Leasure a season or that they do 
more duty in gaurding or Scouting then their neighbours that I 
am wery with hereing them, and that unless they Could be all in 
pay it would be best to have five able men (that have not families) 
to be standing men & them to Constantly gaurd the others from 
field to field as they shall be required according to the discression 
of the officer, which I think might be better for their managing 



47 

their affairs then to be in the Service and neglect their business 
and loose their oppertunity : pray your Hono"' would send me 
Instructions by the bearer that I may know what to doe and the 
Company Complete. I remain your Hono""' Most Dutifull and 
obliged Serv' Sam" Wright 

[Superscribed] To his Hono"" William Dummer Esq"' Lievt 
Governour &c * 



APPENDIX D. 

Rutland July 8th 1724. 
Sr. These are to acquaint your Hono'' that Last thursday night 
while I was at Boston the Indians apeared at an out Garrison, 
they shot from the Garrison at them made them Immediately draw 
of. the next day about Eleven a clock a Souldier and a boy was 
at a deserted house (about a quarter of a mile from Capt Hatches 
Garrison) they spied an Indian somewhat nearer the Garrison than 
they the Soldier bid the boy run to the Garrison he stayed be- 
hind presented his gun at the Indian ; an other Indian Rose up by 
the first so he dare not shoot, but they both gatt safe to the Gar- 
rison : the same Evening Two Soldiers belonging to another 
garrison were going home were waylaid by two or 3 Indians the 
men Spieing them before they Shot at the Indians one of the 
Indians Shot again at them but mised them but hit a tree by them 
which bullet is since Cut out. the guns were all heard to the 
Garrisons ; the Indians Left them whether they killed or wounded 
any of the Indians they could not tell ; but they got safe home to 
the Garrisons, the people mad an alarm & the Indians answerd 
the alarm by shooting [shouting?] and when the alarm was over 
they beat upon the side of a deserted house Like a drum as if they 
did it in a banter to show us the Drum was [wanting?]! I wrote 
this to your hon"" the sixth Curant but not sending it Direct fearing 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, page 168. 

t "after they had Drummed they gave a C'ohoope & then were still for a 
while." 



48 

it might miscary as the other before, and haveing it renewed Last 
night they appearing at a garrison the Shoulders Shot at them and 
made an alarm and they answered in an other garrison when no 
sooner the watch shot in the flanker ; but an Indian fired at him 
out of a piece of wheat by the fort the bullet went very near his 
head but mist him. they were about every Garrison in Town by 
manifest signs. In Short they are so among us keeping us in a 
Continual hubbub so that we can do nothing but secure our Selves 
& Garrisons & have not men to Scout nor guard us so that we cant 
get hay nor tend our fields there being but four or five men in a 
Garrison, so that if not help Either by an addition of Souldiers or 
some Vollentiers to Come and Clear them from us we must of 
nesessity Draw of. Praying your assistance herein being our 
Regimentall father «& a Proper person to be applied to 

Trusting in your Care and Cander subscrib myself yo'' hon" 
most Humble servt in hast Sam" Wright* 



APPENDIX E. 

Honord S"" 

haveing wrote you the third Instant of the mischief 
done here by the Indians the first night Co" Tyng with my men 
Joyning with him marcht on next morning in pursuit of the Enemy 
& followed upon their Tracks out on the westward of Great Wat- 
chusett till at Last they Scatterd and being in hemlock wood, they 
Could follow the Track no further & Returned back, wanting bread. 
Just at their return Co" Goff Came into Rutland & ordered Co" 
Tyngs Lievt with Twelve of his men, my serg' with Twelve of my 
men with severall Days prouision to Martch out again and Range 
the woods in pursuit of the Enemy, who this morning sett out. 
the Lad that was not found when I wrote before we are satisfied 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, page 181. 



49 

is Carried Captive the men finding where they had Tied him to a 
tree. I shall no more but remain your hono" humble and obliged 
Servt Sam" Wright 

(Endorsed Aug. 5, 1724.) 
Superscription : "on his Maj'^'* service 

"his Hono' William Dummer Esq'' 
"Lt Governor &c 

"at Boston"* 

Honor'' Sr 

These are to Inform your Hon'' that when our 
Scout came in the night before Last about five miles on the back 
of Rutland they came upon the Track of Indians coming toward 
the Town semeing to be as new as their own, as if they were but 
Just before them, they pursuied upon the Trak (which seemed 
to be a Considerable Scout) till they Came within a mile & half 
of the Town then the Indians scattered so they Could no ways 
follow them, they Came and made Report, they ye Indians 
Came in at a Distance from where the Other Came in & newer, 
so we are satisfied they are yet by a fresh party watching of us as 
we have reason to fear and since Coll Tyng went from us we have 
made a moore particular discovery of their number & Contrivances 
in waylaying the meadow where they killed the people, there being 
in number as near as Can be thote neare about thirty by their 
squating places or seats in where they sett to watch, & by which 
we Can Learn there might be near half the Company that Lay in 
ambush to shoot Down those who should Come to their Releif 
there being but one way they Could Conveniently get to their help 
so that if there were but a smal party of men had gone they would 
Likely have shot them down before they had seen the Indians, 
those persons that were killed went presumtiously Contrary to my 
orders for I forbad them going without a considerable Company 
and a strong guard but they went a way privatly to their 
own Ruins, and the action was quit ouer before I knew it not 
heareing the guns, not knowing they were gone before I heard they 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, page 186. 

7 



50 

were killed, the bearer hereof Can give your Hono"" account of 
what is aboue written as well as many Others ; I am your Hono"" 
most humble servt Sam" Wright 

Rutland aug' 7th 1724 

we are in great want of amunition our stock being quit out 
that night Co" Goffe went away Two Children had like to have 
been taken had it not been for a dogg in a feild nigh a house &c* 



By an Express from Rutland, We are inform'd That on Monday 
last the 3d Instant, a company of the Enemy Indians surpriz'd and 
fir'd upon some of our Men at work, kill'd three, wounded another 
that made his escape, and took one Captive. f 



May it please your Honour 

On Monday after we had travailed & scouted 
from Sunrise till (as nigh as we judge) about two o'clock without 
any refreshments 17 or 18 miles we came into Rutland where ye 
Enemy in a Meadow just by y^ Town had kiled j men wounded i 
& captivated a Boy about an Hour before, none of ye Town neither 
Inhabitants nor Soldiers had made after them. I divided the Men 
into two parcells to surround y^ Swamp & scoured it while we tract 
them out. my Party had but one man for a Guide & had left all 
our Cloths & Provisions behind us. We went upon yr Trail in 
Expectation of these things to be sent after till Rain & ye night 
prevented us for yt Day. I could not persuade any except two to 
assist in the Pursuit they alledging they could not leave y' Gar- 
risons our Party met us about a mile out of Town at Sundown. 
Early ye next morning I set out with as many of my men as ca- 
pable & six I obtained of Capt. Wright. I found their track & 
pursued about 10 miles till ye woods were so we could find no 
track by Reason of y' scattering. They marched away in yr own 
Back Track & travailed in ye night for we could find no place 
where y'' had lodged. They diverted yr Course towards Wadchu- 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, page 187. 
tBoston News Letter, No. 1071, August, 1724. 



51 

setts y"^ number I judge to be about 12 or 13 in y'' Company. For 
want of Bread & by reason of y*^ Lameness & Sickness of our Men 
we could pursue no further & then besides ye men y' knew y^ 
woods declared y-^ were such as Indians could not be tract in for 
20 miles together. Just upon our return Col. Goff arrived at Rut- 
land. I am your Honours Obedt humble Servt 

Eleazer Tyng 
Rutland Aug 4. 1724. 

P. S. Colle Goffe gives his Duty to y'' Honour & 
would have writ but y' he designs to wait upon you on y*^ next 
Saturday.* 

May it please your Honour, 

I was very much Surprized with a Relation 
of the Management of our affairs at Rutland signed by one Hay- 
wood that after I & my men had done to the extent of our Power 
our Actions should be so misrepresented & such aspersions causesly 
be cast upon my Conduct. I hope that your honour will not 
judge me guilty, from the relation of one that was not psent at any 
of the actions. I doubt not by sufficient evidence to clear my self 
from what I am unjustly charged with. We met no men that took 
any Circuit to come to us y^ came from Capt. Wright where we 
saw one that was wounded & one that had escaped. The first 
notices we had of any mischief or Danger was about three quarters 
of a mile behind on which we run forward as fast as possible. Be- 
fore V'' had well done telling y*-' Story all our Men came up & one 
Party I ordered away imediately with my Ensign to head y"^ In- 
dians & went with ye other my self where y^' ym selves s*^ y^ judged 
the Indians were. Instead of some Pilots as ye Relation says, I 
had but one man. I never said that I designed to wait but to 
have them follow after us. The horses never came quite to ye 
Place but were met by one of our Men y* returned back & this was 
just at night. There was but one Party of the Men that went with 
me that came to them there. I sent men eno to back & support 
them that sent for help but our Rutland Guide carryed them away 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 52, page 25. 



52 

& never went to them. They waited for y" in vain i. e. my Lieut 
& our men but y^ not coming they came to me as I was going 
round ye swamp & He & I took ye Track & pursued upon them 
as long as y'' Men were capable of going. 

It being so near night, The Rains our Men being Faint we hav- 
ing no Cloths, Blankets nor Provisions I was forced to Return. 
The next day Instead of 12 Rutland men which Capt Wright 
promised I was forced to take up with six & wait for y™ too which 
occasioned ye Lateness in the Morning y-^ complain of. I sent 
not my Lieut but actually went myself as far as it was possible to 
make out Tracks & till y*^ Men universally said it was to no Pur- 
pose to try to pursue upon them any longer, for ye woods were so 
we could find none. I should be very glad to confront this Re- 
lator & that your Honour would give me opportunity to set my 
management in a truer light than He has & Vindicate myself which 
I doubt not but that I can from all y'' is alledged against me. 
I am your Hon"^^ Obedt humble Serv* 

Eleazer Tyng 

PS. I am in a great hurry going with Col. Goff to Rutland or 
had writ fuller.* 

[Date probably August, 1724.] 



August 14, 1724, the Lieutenant-Governor was advised by the 
Council to order Col. Tyng to detach ten men out of his company 
to Rutland.! 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 52, page 28. 
t Council Records. 



53 



APPENDIX F.* 



1724 November 27 A Jou 


rnal of my Scouting since Last 


Muster Roll. 




Novbr 27 'keept garrison 


20 warded 


28 Ditto 


21 Scouted 


29 Scouted toward vvatt- 


22 Stormy 


chusetts &: Cross to- 


23 Stormy [trees 


ward Brookfield 


24 Snow hung on the 


30 Stormy returned 


25 Scouted every way 


Decembr 


26 keept garison 


I kept garison 


27 Scouted 


2 foul wether 


28 Scouted 


3 Scouted 


29 Stormy snow 


4 Could not go out with 


30 keept garison 


Snow Shoes nor with- 


31 Scouted 


out snow deep & soft 


Janry i Scouted 


5 keept garison 


2 Ditto 


6 Scouted 


3 Ditto 


7 Came in with Scout 


4 Ditto 


8 Stormy 


5 Ditto 


9 Trees hung with Ise 


6 Stormy 


Could not go out 


7 keept garison 


10 keept in no Travill- 


8 gaurded to Brook- 


ing in the woods 


field mill 


: II Scouted 


9 warded 


12 Came in being Ex- 


10 Scouted 


1 tream Cold 


1 1 Some to Brookfield 


13 Scouted 


some to Woster to 


14 Stormey 


mill 


15 keept garison 


12 Scouted 


16 Ditto 


13 Ditto 


17 Scouted 


14 Ditto 


18 Scouted about 10 miles 


15 Stormy [out 


19 Came in 


16 Ditto Could not go 



* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 38A, page 100. 



54 



1 7 Scouted [ye town 

1 8 Scoute on the back of 

1 9 Scouted over ware river 

20 & back of Brookfield 

21 back into the woods 
2 2 Lay out [again 

23 Came in again 

24 warded 

25 Scouted 

26 keept garison stormy 

27 Ditto 

28 Stormy 

29 Scouted 

30 Ditto 

3 1 warded 

Febru^ i Scouted alarm at night 

2 Scouted Discovered 
some Tracks 

3 went out after them 
but they Scattered 
we Could not follow 

4 Came in 

5 keept Garison 

6 Scouted 

7 Stormy keep garison 

8 Ditto 

9 Scouted 

10 gaurd to mill to 
Brookfield 

1 1 not returned 

12 Returned 

13 Scouted 

14 Ditto 

15 keept garison 

16 Ditto 



1 7 Scouted 

18 Ditto 

19 Ditto 

20 Stormy 

2 1 keept garison 

22 Scouted 

23 Ditto 

24 Ditto 

25 Ditto 

26 went a company to 
buy Corn at brook- 
field 

27 not returned 

28 Returned 
March i Scouted 

2 keept garison stormy 

3 Ditto 

4 went to Brookfield to 
fetch Provision 

5 Scouted 

6 Stormy 

7 Ditto no Travilling 

8 went to woster for 
provision 

9 Returned 

10 Scouted over ware 
river 

1 1 Lay out 

12 Returned 

1 3 Scout went out 3 days 

14 Discovered nothing 

1 5 Returned 

16 Scouted 

1 7 Scouted 

18 gaurded the people 
fenceing their meadows 



55 



> ) J » ) > > 



19 gaurded 

20 Scouted 

2 1 warded 

22 Scouted 

23 Stormy 

24 keept garison 

25 Scouted 

26 Ditto 
2 7 Rain 

28 Ditto keept garison 

29 Ditto 

30 Scouted &c 

31 gaurded the Stoars 
up from marlborough 

Aprl 1 guarde the people at 
the Corn mill 

2 gaurded at mill 
Ditto 

3 ti: the carts to bring 
Stoars 

4 Scouted 

5 Scouted ouer ware 
river 

6 & toward Wattchu- 
setts hills 

7 Stormy 

8 Ditto 

9 keept garison 

10 Scouted 

11 Ditto 

1 2 gaurded the people 
at their feilds 

13 Ditto 

14 Ditto 

15 Scouted & gaurded 

16 keept garison 



May 



17 Ditto 

18 Ditto 

19 Mustered Read the 
Laws 

20 gaurded 

21 Ditto 

22 Scouted 

23 Ditto 

24 gaurded the people 

25 warded 

26 gaurded the people 
to plow 

27 Scouted 

28 Ditto 

29 gaurded 

30 Ditto 

1 gaurded the people 
at plow 

2 warded 

4 gaurded the people 
to plant 

5 Ditto 

6 Ditto at the Corn 
mill 

7 Ditto 

8 gaurded 

9 warded 

10 Scouted Discovered 

Indian Tracks by 
ware river 

1 1 gaurded the people 
to plant 

12 Ditto 

13 Ditto 

14 Scouted 

15 Ditto 



56 



1 6 keept garison warded 


Lay out woods made 


17 Scouted 


fires put up blankets 


18 gaurded 


to deceive the In- 


19 keept garison 


dians &c 


20 bad wether 


June I Ranged Ditto 


21 gaurded the Carts to 


2 ambushed the places^ 


fetch 


where the 


22 Stoars from Marl- 


3 Indians were Likly to 


borough 


come and weiglaid 


23 Ditto 


the fences &c 


24 Returned 


4 Scout came in 


25 on the 25 day 


5 gaurd the people at 


26 Scouted the Swamps 


the feilds 


27 Scout sent out 


6 Ditto 


28 Indians came about 


7 Scouted Cross to the 


garisons 


borders of Brookfield 


29 Scouted the Swamps 


8 Part gaurded part 


in pursuit 


Scouted 


30 of the Indians 


9 Ditto 


31 watched without the 




garisons and Ranged 


Sam" Wright 


the Swamps with Doggs 




Rutland June 9th 1725 





[The above is in Capt. Wright's own writing, but the following 
is evidently a copy.] 

A Journal of Scouting Guarding &c from June loth to Novr 
loth 1725.* 

June 10 Scouted 15 Men way laid the Swamps 

1 1 Gaurded in the Field ; 

1 2 Gaurded the people in the fields, 

13 Scouted for 3 days 12 Men, over Ware River 

14 Lay out 



Massachusetts Archives, vol. 38A, page 122. 



57 

15 the Scout returned ; 

1 6 Guarded the people at their work ; 

17 Guarded Ditto 14 Men. 

18 Guarded Ditto 12 Men. 

19 Scouted 14 Men toward Wachusett. 

20 Lay out about 10 Miles from the Town. 

21 Scout returned, 

22 Scouted 9 Men Northwest of Wachusetts Hills 

23 Lay out. 

24 Scout returned ; 

25 Guarded 10 Men Scouted 9 North of Ware River, 

26 Guarded the people in the Fields 
2 7 kept in being Sabbath day ; 

28 Guarded the Carts with Stores ; 

29 from Marlborough to Rutland ; 

30 Returned. 

July I Guarded the Carts back 8 mile 

2 Scouted 

3 Lay out 

4 Returned 

5 Stormy, 

6 Storm kept Garrison & Cleansed the Arms 

7 Scouted 

8 Returned 

9 Guarded 22 Men in a Meadow 
TO Guarded 23 Men in Ditto 

1 1 Scouted 1 2 Men round the Town 

12 for 4 days 

13 Lay out 

14 Returned 

15 Stormy 

16 Stormy kept Garrison 

I 7 Capt Willard here with his Voluntiers 

18 Guarded about the Meeting house 

19 Capt Willard marched from Rutland wth his Men 

20 I sent a Scout with him 2 days march who 



58 

21 discovered tracks they Supposed to be Indians 

2 2 Scouted round the town ranging the Swamps 19 Men 

23 Gaurded the Carts to Marlbo. for provisions 

24 Stormy 

25 Gaurd returned with the Stores 

26 Scouted about the meadows 22 Men 

27 Scouted Lay out 

28 Scouted round the meadows, 6 Miles out 

29 Scouted round the Town and divided our Men in 2 
parties 

30 Gaurded the Meadows 25 Men 

31 Gaurded Ditto 
Augt I Warded in the Town 

2 Part Guarded & part Scouted 

3 Scouted round the meadows, 

4 Searched the Swamps & Gaurded 

5 Gaurded the meadows 25 Men, 

6 Scouted 22 Men 4 days 

7 Lay out 

8 Lay out 

9 Wet weather returned 

10 Wet weather Cleans'd our Arms 

11 Gaurded the people at the meadow 19 Men 

12 Gaurded the meadows and Scouted 

13 Scouted 2 days 

14 Returned 

15 Stay in 

16 Scouted 

1 7 Gaurded 

18 Gaurded 

19 Scouted 

20 Guarded 

21 Guarded 

22 Warded about the Town 

23 Scouted to Lancaster 

24 Returned 

25 Scouted to Brookfield 



59 

2 6 Gaurded the meadows 

27 Scouted & Gaurded ; a part, a Man wounded at Dear- 
field the Indians alarmed us at the meadows. 

28 Scouted & Guarded sd Meadow, & discover'd Indian 
tracts 

29 Scouted Round the Meeting house in 3 Guards 

30 Gaurded and Scouted 
• 31 Guarded 

Septr I Scouted «& Guarded at the meadows 

2 Guarded people Stacking Hay. 

3 Guarded the meadows 

4 Scouting and Guarding 

5 kept in being Sabbath 

6 Guarded & Scouted ye meadows discover'd tracts. 

7 Guarded Stacking Hay 21 Men 

8 2 Guards each 10 Men att the meadows 

9 part Guarded & part Scouted 

10 Scouted 18 Men 4 days 

1 1 Stayed out 

12 Lay out 

13 returned 

14 Guarded the people in the fields 

15 Scouted about 10 Miles discouered Indian Tracks 

16 Lay out 

1 7 Guarded to Stack Hay 

18 Guarded the people Cutting Stalks 

19 Warded 

20 Scout went out for 10 days 16 Men 

21 An Indian appear'd at my Garison & we fired at him 

22 Guarded the people 3 of the Scout came in sick 

23 Fetched in Cattle ; Leut Ting Came in with his Scout 

24 Gaurded the people to gather Corn 

25 Guarded 

26 kept in being Sabbath 
2 7 Stormy 

28 Guarded & Scouted about the Town 

29 Guarded the people to gather Corn 



6o 

30 Scout Came in ; another went out over Ware river, 

Octr I Scout went out for 3 days 14 Men 

2 Lay out 

3 Lay out 

4 Guarded the people to gett in harvest 

5 Scout Came in 

6 Scout went out for 3 days 13 Men 

7 Lay out 

8 Lay out 

9 returned 

10 kept in being Sabbath 

1 1 Stormy kept Garrison 

1 2 Scout went for 3 days 

13 Lay out 

14 Came in 

15 Guarded the Carts 

16 kept Garrison 

1 7 Warded 

18 Went down to Shrewsbury to guard ye Stores 16 Men 

19 Scouted 

20 Returned with the Stores 

21 Stormy kept Garrison 

22 Guarded the Carts from Lancaster 

23 Scout for 5 days to Come in at Turkey hills 

24 Warded 

25 Scout came in at Turkey Hill 

26 Came into Lancaster 

27 Came into Rutland 

28 Thanksgiving 

29 Scout out 10 Miles Northward Ware river 2 days 

30 Came in 

31 Kept in being Sabbath 

Novr I Scout went out for 3 days 15 Men 

2 Lay out 

3 returned 

4 Stormy kept Garrison 



6i 



5 Stormy 

6 Stormy 

7 Released the Men 

8 Scout of 3 men over Ware river 

9 Scouted 2 Men 
lo Scouted 4 Men 

Sam" Wright 



Among the expenditures of the Province appear two items "for 
wages and subsistence of Capt. Wright's company" : 

"Dec. 12, 1724, ^^851-13-10 June 11, 1724, --Nov. 25, 1724. 
"June 22, 1725, 71 7-10-7 Nov. 26, 1724,- -June 9, 1725." 



APPENDIX G. 

[From Lieutenant-Governor Dummer to Captain Wright, May, 
1725-] 

Cpt Wright 

Sir I have Order'd Coll. to reinforce you with 

twelve able bodied Men, one of which will be a Serjeant whom 
you must Continue in ye post of a Serjeant. When they arrive 
you will be strong. And therefore 1 expect that you keep your Men 
upon vigorous & constant Service : You must always have a Party 
of Eight or ten Men abroad to Scout on the Borders of your Town 
at some distance & to ly out six or eight days together in the most 
likely Places for the Enemies Passing, &some times to scout across 
the Countrey from the Borders of Brookfield to the Borders of Lan- 
caster & Groton. They must be silent &: patient in their Marches 
& Ambushm", And if they do their duty faithfully I doubt not but 
they will protect the Towns and Surprize the Enemy. When one 
Scout comes in forthwith order out another ; It will be best not to 
return ujjon the Tracks outward, & you are to recjuire a Journal 



62 

from Every Scout of their March & all the occurrences that should 
hapen therein ; & render the Same to me. 

Coll. Tyng & Cpt. Willard to have their Scouts constantly * 



May 8, 1725, A reinforcement of one Sergeant and eleven men 
ordered for Rutland.! 



Rutland, may 24th 1725 
Honor'' Sr These are to Inform your honr that I have Re- 
cieved the men from your Rigement for Worcester, tho' some at 
Least 2 not so able and Efective as I Could be glad they were, 
(uizt Ebenr White & John Field both from Capt Thayer of Men- 
don, who are not able to Travill. his Honor the Lieut Govern- 
ours order to me was that I should put Suitable officers ouer the 
men, & that they should Scout & gaurd, but in as much as my 
orders are not so Clear as I Dare uenture to put one of the Inhab- 
itants officer over them, I have Left ym under the Care and Con- 
duct of Capt Ponds Son at present, but in as much as he nor any 
of the men have not any knowledge of the woods so are not Like 
to do much Service in Scouting, unless there be an Inhabitant put 
an officer ouer them. I desire therefore you would get his honors 
Leave to put Moses Rice & Benjn Flag in to be the officer ouer 
them alternately when one Comes in, the Other to go out to have 
but one mans pay ; which will be Likly to have the Duty better 
prformed and is the mind of the Town, as for news I refer you 
to the Inclosd Letter to his hon'' then desire you would deliver it 
to his hono'' after you have sealed it ; with humble Respects I 
Remain your hono"'* very humble and dutifuU Servt 

vSam" Wright 

Superscribed To the Honourable William Dummer Esqr 

Lieut (iovernour and Commander in Chief &c| 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, page 229. 

t Council Records. 

I Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, page 237. 



63 

Boston June 2 1725 
S' I just now received these from Capt Wright, at my Lodging, 
and having taken physick this morning cannot well come forth. 

If your Honour approves of Capt Wrights proposal for Flagg 
and Rice to Command alternately, it seems as if it would be to 
very good purpose I am 

S"" your most obedient humble Serv' 

John Chandler 
On his Maj'''*' Service 

To Coll John Chandler 

Boston Present 

pr Mr Moses Rice 



May it please your Hon'' 

haveing this opportunity by Thomas Taylor, 
These are to acquaint your Hon"" that there is Ten men Come 
from the uper Country to Brookfield for his Maj'"^* Service & I 
have had no Orders or direction from your hon"' whether they are 
a Recruit of my Company ; or whether they are by them selves. 
Ensign Warner being going with Capt Willard I sopose I may send 
an officer to take Care of them untill further orders. I am now 
going ouer to see they do their Duty & wait your hon" Direction. 
Your hon'' was pleased to permitt 4 or 5 of my men to go with 
Capt White & Capt Willard &c so that we are weakned by it 
Except your Hon"" sends men in their Room our people are now 
beginning to mow their out meadows we shall want a Strong guard, 
one Scout Came in Last night discovered no Indians ; tho the 
watch at one of the garisons Discovered an Indian as they say 2 
nights agoe by a Garison as they lay at some distance this morn- 
ing we found a mare as we Sopose Shot that her guts hung out & 
Dead & Sopose the Indians shot her.* 

V Hon""' most humble & ol)liged servt 
Rutland July loth 1725 Sam" Wrightf 

* A meadow in Rutland East Wing, now the southerly part of Princeton, 
was for many years known as Dead Mare Meado7>.<. 
t Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, page 252. 



64 

Honoured Sr. these are to Inform your Hon"" that Capt 
Samuel Willard marcht out from Rutland the 19th Instant with 52 
able bodied men and Camped the first night south of ware river 
then marched west of Watchusett hills my Scout Campt with them 
2 nights Came from there yesterday brought news their Scouts 
Discovered Indian Tracks &c I Let Capt Willard have five of my 
best men and have five of his men in their Room to Incorage the 
Expedition. Likewise furnisht with what Provisions he wanted 
out of our Stoars. I have Received 4 men from Coll Buckminster 
&c your Hon"" to Command Samuel Wright* 

Rutland July 23d 1725 



July 28. 1725. A warrant was approved by the Council to pay 
John Taylour (a soldier) the sum of "thirty shillings for his Horse 
Hire & expence in riding express from Rutland to Boston & back 
by Framingham."t 



Sir I approve of your Projection for watching the Motions of 
the Indians about Rutland meadows, and have given directions to 
Mr. Brintnall according. I desire you would assist him with your 
advice and put him and your own People forward that so no time 
be lost in the Execution of this design + 

Cpt Wright 



Aug 10 1725 Sergt. William Brintnall was ordered to take 
command of "such of the men belonging to Capt Samuel Willards 
Company as are returned into any of the frontier towns & with 
them forthwith to march Out in Quest of the Enemy & to ly round 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, page 254. 
t Council Records. 

I This has no date or signature. Probably instructions of Lieutenant-Gov- 
ernor Dummer, in August, 1725. 



65 

the meadows of Rutland while the People are making & Getting 
in their hay : You must be very secret in your Motions & use all 
possible means to conceal your selves from the Enemy. And be 
very watchful to make seasonable discovery of them & to use all 
possible Advantage in Attacking them. You must Consult with 
Cpt Wright & take his advice for your further Proceeding : If 
you can not make twelve out of those that are return'd you are 
directed to enlist what are wanting of that Number* 



Rutland August 19, 1725. 
Honoured Sr 

After my duty to you presented these are to 
Informe your Hour that by vertue of the order I Received from 
you to go to Rutland in quest of the Indian Enemie and Scout 
about the Meadow with twelve Volenteers I have accordingly 
obeyed Said orders by having the twelve men Eight of which are 
Capt Willards and four who I Enlisted and Came to Rutland with 
ym on fryday Last & have Ever since Scouted and guarded the 
meadows for ye people in their getting of Hay we discovered no 
Signs of Indians as yet but Expect them dayly for Ensighn Stevens 
is arrived with his son from Canada, and saith that y"" was a Com- 
pany designed for New England when he Came from Canada, he 
Intends to be att Boston with your Honour Monday next all at 
present I Remain Your Hon" Ever Devoted 

Servt Wm Brintnall 

The new men I Enlisted were Paul Brintnall, Benjn Dudley, Saml 
Goodenow, Jonathan Priest. 

Capt. W^illards men were Will'" Brintnall, Sam' How, James Nutt- 
ing, Joshua Parker, Cyprian Wright. Deliv'^'' Brooks, Thomas Lamb, 
Jacob Moor.t 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, page 256. 

The roll of this detachment is in Massachusetts Archives, vol. 91, page 173. 
It shows service from Aug. 17 to Oct. 27, 1725. The pay of Sergt. Brintnall 
was 32 shillings 6 pence per week, and that of the men 28 shillings. 

t Kndorsed letter to Wm. Uumnier. Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, p. 258. 



66 



A letter from Col. Eleazar Tyng, Dunstable, August 30, 1725, 
reads : "I have ordered a Scout from Brookfield & Rutland each 
of them distinctly to be kept Constantly out, the men to lie out 
for 4 or 5 nights at a time & to go about 15 or 20 miles from the 
Towns. The Number I left to ye Direction of the Commanding 
officer. The Rest of ye Towns und'' Capt Wrights Inspection to 
keep out constantly smaller Scouts & to be exceeding vigilant." 

Referring to his plans for the future Col. Tyng says that "young 
Stevens lately arrived from Canada informs me that there is a Place 
just by Pigwocket which the Indians call half way where they meet 
& muster & that he has been at it," and the Colonel proposed 
scouting in that direction.* 



"A Muster Roll of the Company in His 
the command of Samuel Wright Captain," 
1724. The roll contains 61 names, the 
Rutland : 



Samuel Wright, 
Aaron Rice, 
Moses How, 
William Gibbs, 
Simon Davis, 
Jonas Brown, 
John Clark, 
John Hameton.t 



Cyprian Wright, 
John Lecore, 
William Fenten, 
Eleazar Ball, 
Joseph Wood, 
Robert Mclem, 
John Crawford, 



Majestys Service under 

Nov., 1723, to June, 

following belonging to 

Edward Rice, 
John Lecore, Jr., 
Duncan McFarland, 
Malcom Hendry, 
Alexander Bothel, 
James Clark, 
Andrew Mclem, 



Sergt. Brintnall says, Sept. 6, 1725 : "the people have got in 
yr Hay," and he wanted to go off on a long scout. | 



Oct. 20, 1725, Col. Tyng received orders to reduce the number 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 52, page 258. 
t Massachusetts Archives, vol. 91, page 116. 
X Massachusetts Archives, vol. 52, page 266. 



67 

of soldiers on the frontiers, "the Enemy being drawn off & the 
Season of danger pretty well over" ; and Rutland was to have 25 
men.* 



July, 1724, there were ^8 men posted at Rutland. 
February, 1725, Rutland had 25 out of 149 men in service in 
that region. 



APPENDIX H. 

Joseph Willard, a son of Samuel and Sarah (Clark) Willard, 
was born in Saybrook, Connecticut, and graduated at Yale College 
in 1 714. He received the degree of Master of Arts from Harvard 
College in 1723. 

xA-fter a short settlement as minister at Sunderland, he went to 
Rutland to preach, and on the 12th of July, 1721, was invited by 
a unanimous vote of the town to settle there. Mr. Willard on 
the same day (being in the town) signified his acceptance of the 
call, provided "they give him suitable maintainance and settle- 
ment," whereupon the inhabitants voted him as a "sallary Eighty 
pounds a year for the first three years, after y' ninety pounds pr 
year" ; and for a "settlement" the sum of one hundred pounds 
"in work or money, to be paid and performed when he shall have 
occasion and call for it, provided that he does settle with us in 
Gospel Order." This proposition being satisfactory to Mr. Wil- 
lard, he entered upon his work. Some of the difficulties which 
he encountered during the next year are set forth in the following 
letter, which is recorded in the first volume of "Records of the 
Proprietors of Rutland," although it does not appear in the town 
book. 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. 72, page 263. 



68 

To Capt Samuel Wright, Leu' Simon Davis and Ens Joseph Stevens the 
Selectmen of Rutland 

Gentlemen — Sometime in the year 1721 the Inhabitants of this 

Town at a town meeting were pleased to make choyce of me for their min- 
ister, and for my Incouragement voted me a stated Sallery 80 pounds pr 
annum for the first three years and then ^"90 pr annum and also ;{^ioo in 
money or work towards building, to be paid as I should have occasion for it, 
to carry on my work which proposealls after Serious Consideration and hum- 
ble adresses to heaven for direction I did accept, and accordingly began my 
building but have not been able to go on with it by reason of the peoples 
backwardness and neglect of helping it forward by their work as they might 
have done, which, as also the Remoueal of nigh or about Two thirds of the 
Inhabitants out of the town, has Discouraged me from any further attempt 
towards building, and with the Concurance of several other things have al- 
tered my thought of settleing among you. 

I have therefore (Eying the Divine providence therein) thot it my duty to 

acquaint you with my purpose and design speedily to Remoue from you and 

desire you to Communicate this to the Inhabitants that they may timely seek 

out for some other person to labour in the work of the Ministry among them. 

I am your serv' 

Oct. 19. 1722 Joseph Willard 

No action appears to have been taken by the town upon this 
communication, but Mr. Willard continued his services ; and the 
following January purchased several lots of land adjoining the 
estate of his relative, Capt. Wright, which indicated a purpose to 
remain. The buildings which he erected were on lot No. 61, 
known as the Ministry Lot, near the meeting house, and lately oc- 
cupied by the hotel. A portion of Mr. Willard's house, forming 
a part of the hotel, remained in good preservation for over one 
hundred and sixty years, and when removed, a few months since, 
was in better condition than the more modern building adjoining. 

Mr. Willard's reconsideration of his decision "speedily to Re- 
moue from" Rutland, cost him his life. After his death on the 
14th of August, 1723, as previously related, his widow (whose 
maiden name was Susanna Lynde) removed the household goods 
to Sudbury, and subsequently, with her two little children, William 
and Joseph, the latter born three months after her husband's de- 
cease, she went to Say brook, the early home of Mr. Willard. 



69 

The inventory of Mr. Willard's estate, as copied from the original 
on file in Middlesex Probate Office, is as follows : 

An Inventory of ye Real and Personal Estate of ye Rev"'^ M' Joseph 
Willard of Rutland dec'' Intestate as it was presented to us by w^ Susanna 
\\illard and m"" Sam" Willard administrators on s** Estate and by Cap' Thomas 
Brintnall and John Rice atorneys for s^" adm''^ In Sep'*^"''^'"'' October and No- 
vember 1723 as followeth viz. 

Imprimis his v\ earing appril and horse [house?] 

furniture at 21. 07. 06 

Item his Libri with ye assistance of ye Re,.,! Isrel Loring 

& w'" Cook at 83. 03. 04 

Item plate and Som Smal Silver vesals : Snuf h boxes 

pen Knife & hamer 19. 07. 06 

Item beds & beding Table Lining and Mantle for 

Children at 63. 00. 06 

Item Coten wool Lining yarn and Meal Sacks at 06. 17. 10 

Item puter tin and Som fine Earthen ware at 13. cxd. 00 

Item Brace Iron and wooden ware at 19. 09. 00 

Item one horse and one Cow at 22. 00. 00 

Item his l^ands in s** Rutland ye Lot on which ye House 
Stands and ye Two halfe lots with ye Divisions belong- 
ing to them : and all ye buildings and fences Euen all 
ye Improvements Made there on at 405. 00. 00 

Sam" Stone 

mark 

Johh X Meed 

his 

Peter Moor* 

The amount of personal estate was subsequently reduced by 
;^47 owing to a "mistake in casting" the value of the books, etc. 
The funeral charges were ^10. 

Among the names appearing in the administrators' accounts are 
the following : Samuel Willard, a brother of Joseph ; Hannah 
Lynde, Robert Macklem, Caleb Lyman, Joseph Crosby, Eleazer 
Heywood, John Dakin, John Guillet (Frenchman), Edward 
Joyner, Dr. Zabdiel Boylston, Duncan McFarland, Thomas 
Amsden. 

*This was acknowledged by the appraisers before a justice of the peace at 
Sudljurv. 



70 

The heirs of Mr. Willard made claim to the ministry lot in Rut- 
land, or certainly to the improvements made upon it, and the 
matter was in controversy for several years. In 1729, Rev. Mr. 
Frink, the successor in the pastoral office, offered to relinquish the 
sum of ^40., voted to him, if the town would pay to Mr. Willard's 
heirs the sum of ^^46. 3. 6, "for what said Willard did in erecting 
buildings &c on Lot No. 61." The proposal was thankfully ac- 
cepted, the money paid over, and the controversy ended. 

Mrs. Willard married, previous to 1729, Rev. Andrew Gardner, 
for several years minister at Worcester, and subsequently at Lunen- 
burg, from which latter place he was dismissed in 1732. He is 
described as a very eccentric man, and was "accused of remissness 
of duty, and of too ardent love for the chase of the deer and the 
sports of the hunter." > 

He removed to "Number 4," on the Connecticut river (Charles- 
town, N. H.) ; and during the French and Indian war he served 
as chaplain at Fort Dummer. It is an interesting fact that one of 
Mrs. Willard's sons, Joseph, was in 1760, with his wife and five 
children, taken captive by the Indians. The youngest child was 
killed, and the rest of the family carried to Canada, where they 
remained until the surrender of Montreal, when they were released. 

In 1729, Mr. Gardner, in behalf of the children of Rev. Joseph 
Willard, petitioned the General Court for a grant of Province Land, 
stating that in defending his own life Mr. Willard "did in all prob- 
abihty kill one or more Indians." A tract of three hundred acres 
of land was granted, and located easterly of Wachusett mountain, 
northerly from the present village of East Princeton. 



71 



APPENDIX I. 

Joseph Stevens was the son of Simon and Mary (Willard) 
Stevens, of Sudbury. He married Prudence Rice, and resided in 
Sudbury, Framingham, Lancaster and Rutland. Of the latter town 
he was one of the original proprietors, and settled upon Lot No. 
15, where he built his dwelHng. He was a very worthy man, 
gaining the esteem of his neighbors, and was selected to fill many 
important offices in the town, such as selectman, treasurer, deacon 
in the church, and officer in the militia. He was also keeper of 
an inn from 1723 to 1730. 

After the attack upon his children on the 3d of August, 1723, 
as previously related, while grieving for the dead. Deacon Stevens 
spared no efforts to accomplish the release of the two captives. 
The Indians, soon after leaving Rutland on their journey north- 
ward, manifested an intention of killing the youngest boy, Isaac, 
then only four years old, but his brother Phineas, who was about 
seventeen years of age, quickly apprehending their design, suc- 
ceeded in making them understand that if they would spare the 
child, he would relieve them on the journey of all trouble in re- 
lation to him by carrying him on his back. The life of the boy 
was spared, and Phineas fulfilled Iiis agreement and carried him 
through the long and weary march to Canada. 

In furtherance of his purpose to find and redeem his boys, in 
the spring of 1724 the father undertook a journey to Canada, a 
project involving great expense, toil and danger. Before starting 
on his mission he enlisted the sympathy of Lieutenant-Governor 
Dummer in his behalf, and the latter, in a letter to the Intendant- 
General of Canada, under date of April 15, 1724, wrote: "The 

unhappy Man MT Stevens, had two of his Children murder'd 

by the Salvages & two more carried into Captivity by them. I 
know I need not say anything to a Gent of y' Rank (& Goodness 
to move you to a generous Compassion for the distress'd."* What- 
ever this letter may have accomplished, the father, after remaining 
in Canada several months, succeeded in obtaining the release of 

♦Massachusetts Archives, vol. 51, paj^e 399. 



72 

the oldest boy, Phineas, and in the month of August, they arrived 
safely at their home in Rutland.* 

In regard to the boy, Isaac, it is stated that he was given by 
Gray Lock to the Cagnowagas, securing by the gift the friend- 
ship of that tribe ; and this act rendered his release a matter of 
greater difficulty. It was, however, finally achieved, after another 
visit of the father to Canada some two years after his capture. 
This boy easily acquired the habits of the Indians, entered into 
the rude sports of the children, and became so much attached to 
his Indian mother that he would willingly have remained with her. 
When grown to manhood, he married in Rutland and had a large 
family. 

Phineas also married in Rutland, but about the year 1745, re- 
moved with his family to "No. 4," now Charlestown, N. H., and 
there took a prominent position in pubUc affairs. His observation 
of "Indian habits and character, and of their peculiar mode of 
strategy and warfare," during his captivity, specially fitted him for 
the mihtary duties he was called to perform. In 1749 he was com- 
missioned by the Governor of the Province of Massachusetts to go 
to Canada and negotiate for the redemption of captives held by 
the Indians ; and he subsequently made several journeys for the 
same purpose. In one of these visits he succeeded in securing 
the release of John Stark, afterwards General, at the cost of an 
Indian pony valued at ^103. One of his own children was taken 
captive. For a more extended sketch of his life and services, see 
History of Charlestown, N. H. ; Memoir and Official Correspond- 
ence of Gen. John Stark ; and papers in Massachusetts Archives. 

Soon after the return of Deacon Stevens from Canada the first 
time, he addressed the following memorial to the Governor and 
General Court : 

To the Hon'''*" William Dummer Esq'' 

Lieu* Governour and Comander in Cheif in and over the Prov- 
ince of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, the HonoWe His Maj'^"* Coun- 
cil and Mouse of Representatives in General Court assembled at Boston 
November ii"' 1724. 

* See Letter of Sergt. VVm. Brintnall, a)!U' pa^e 65 : "Ensighn Stevens is 
arrived with his son from Canada." 



n 

The Memorial of Joseph Stevens of Rutland in the County of Middlesex, 
Yeoman 

Humbly Sheweth, 

That Whereas your Memorialist the last 
Summer went to Canada in order to Redeem two of his Children that were 
taken Captive by the Indian Enemy, one of whom he obtained, but the other 
Still remains a Prisoner in their hands:— That V Mem', when at Mont 
Real, discoursing with Several of the Cheifs of the Indians, they seemed very 
desirous to have an Exchange of Captives, and said they would become En- 
gaged that if the Hostages here might be released, they would give Fifteen 
For One, or otherwise they would release all our people in their hands, pro- 
vided thev might have all theirs in our hands released, and the Indian In- 
terpreter afterwards told me Several times that they were very uneasy about 
the Indian Prisoners here. Especially the Hostages and that I might depend 
upon it, the Indians would do any thing in reason in order to obtain their 
own people again, and would undoubtedly make good what they said to me 
when I discoursed with them as aforesaid, if this Govern' would give their 
Consent. 

And Inasmuch as there are upwards of Fifty of our People Prisoners in 
the hands of the Indians, that have been taken this War who unless some 
Speedv care be taken to Release them will probably Turn Roman Catholicks 
and Embrace their Religion as above one hundred others, (taken Prisoners 
Before this Warr) have done, who will by no means be persuaded to Return 
to their native Country again, but are led on in Superstition and Idolatry. 

The Mem' therfore out of pity and Compassion to the poor Captives in the 
hands of the Indians, is Emboldened to give this humble Representation to 
Yo"". Hon'"*"., praying, that some Speedy and effectual method may be taken 
for the Redemption of the English Captives out of the hands of the barbarous 
Salvages : — 

Inasmuch as they may be obtained by Exchange as aforesaid, that So those 
that are now led on in darkness and Ignorance may be brought to their Na- 
tive places again where they may have the benefit of the Christian Religion 
instead of Paganism and Idolatry which they are now brought up in; and 
the Memor' may have the Comfort and Enjoyment of his Child again, as well 
as others, their Freinds and Relatives in Captivity as aforesaid. 

And, as in duty bound, the Mem' Shall ever pray &c. 

Joseph Stevens 

In the House of Representatives, Nov^ 30"^ 1724 Read and Sent up, 

W Dudley Speakr* 

No action appears to have been taken by the Council upon this 
communication. 

* Massachusetts Archives, vol. II, page 407. 
lO 



74 

The expenses of Captain Stevens in his efforts for his children's 
liberation bore very heavily upon him and nearly impoverished 
him. His severe loss appealed to the sympathy of all, and assist- 
ance was tendered him from various sources : in Framingham, at 
about the time of his first trip to Canada, a collection was taken 
in the church for him amounting to ^15.5. He was obliged, 
however, to dispose, one after another, of some of his lots of land ; 
and finally in 1732 he petitioned the General Court for a grant of 
unappropriated land in the Province to "settle his sons on." This 
petition is, unfortunately, missing ; but the Court record states the 
substance of his request on the ground that "his great losses & 
sufferings occasioned by the late Indian war, more especially his 
great Charge in two Journeys to Canada, which he took to get 
his two Sons released out of Captivity which has obliged him to 
sell the greatest part of his land." 

A grant was made him of 200 acres of land, which was subse- 
quently surveyed and laid out southeasterly from Wachusett moun- 
tain, in the present town of Princeton ; and seven months after 
this Mr. Stevens sold the tract for ;^ioo., current money, to Ben- 
jamin Houghton. 

Deacon Stevens died at a very advanced age, November 15, 
1 769, having suffered in the later years of his life from extreme 
poverty. 



APPENDIX J. 

Uriah Ward, who was killed at Rutland, August 3, 1724, be- 
longed to Worcester, being a son of Obadiah and Joanna (Har- 
rington) Ward, born in Sudbury, December 3, 1704. 

He was one of the guard posted at Rutland in the summer of 
1724, and was less than twenty years of age at the time of his 
death. 

The inventory of his estate is as follows : 



75 

Worcester January th6 1 724/5 
We the Subscribers being Chosen and Sworne to make an inventory of the 
Estate of Vuriah ward Lat Desesed, it is as folloeth — 

1 a peas of Land of one hundred akers at 70-0-0 

2 a tiftene aker Right in the North halfe 

parte of worceser 25-0-0 95-0-0 



3 


their being two Coats the best at 






2-10 -0 




4 


the other at 






0-16-0 




5 


one paire of briches at 






0-3-0 




6 


their being two Shirts the one at 






0-3-6 




7 


the other Shirts at 






0-4-0 




8 


a silk hankerchief 






0-7-0 




9 


one neck cloth at 






0-3-0 




10 


a paire of gloues at 






0-1-3 




II 


two paire of Stockins at 






0-2-6 




12 


a pice of Cloth at 






0-9-8 




13 


two Jackets at 






0-3-0 




14 


two Stears at 






4-0-0 


9-2-1 1 


I c 


the Deets amounting to 7. 9 










' i 


Total 






104-2-11 






John 


Hubbard 


) 






Jacob Holmes 
Zephaniah Rice 


> prisers 



His brother, Richard Ward, administered on the estate, and 
other heirs named are Joanna, his mother, of Framingham ; Dan- 
iel Heywood, and Daniel Ward, his brother ; Obediah Ward, of 
Marlboro' ; and Isaac and Thankfull, children of a deceased 
brother. 

In the administrator's account among the items are the follow- 
ing received : 



of the Province Treasurer for wages as a Soldier 
of one Allen a Soldier note 



jC3- 17 



and paid 



Capt Wright of Rutland for the funeral of said deced 
Daniel Ward looking up two steers that were in the 

woods and keeping em about two Months 
Docf Prescott 



o. 8. 

o. 15. 
2. 5. 



76 

Joseph Wood, another victim, was a son of Joseph and Mary 
Wood, born at Charlestown, March i6, 1700, and one of the early 
settlers of Rutland. He was probably never married. 

The inventory of his estate was taken by Samuel Wright, Joseph 
Stevens and Moses How, and the original on file is in the hand- 
writing of Capt. Wright. The real estate comprised two 30 acre 
house lots numbered 21 and 30, with a 50 acre lot, "both lying 
together on or by a hill called Brintnall Hill," valued with house, 
orchards &c. ;^i20. Other lots and rights at Birch Hill, Mill 
Brook, &c. ;!^no. 

The personal estate (which was used to pay debts) is recorded 
as follows : 



to Cloathes 


;^ I I - 9-0 


to one Swine 


0-II-6 


to money from Mr. Stevens 


0-9-7 


to money 


7-1-0 


to 2 mairs 


9 -0-0 


to tools 


3-10-1 


to a wigg 


1-7-6 


to blankets 


0-15-0 



34- 3- «• 

to which was subsequently added a pistol, a coat and a horse, the 
latter valued at ^4. 

Mr. Wood at the time of his death was a constable of the town, 
and a settlement between his administrator and the selectmen ap- 
pears on record. 

The following items are among the expenditures on account of 
the estate : 

Will'" Tomson for diging the Grave j 5. O 

Cap' Wright for the Coffin 6. o 

Drink and Gloves & necessaries for the funeral 17. 6 

In examining the files of the Boston News Letter, the following 
articles attracted my attention, and may appropriately be given a 
place in this brief notice of Mr. Wood : 



11 

On Thursday last the 13th Currant the following Remarkable Relation was 
brought to the publisher of this Intelligence, to be made Publick, by Mr. 
Samuel French of Concord, who that Day Fortnight, the 28th of Nov. past, 
being at Rutland, with Mr Joseph fVooc/, formerly of Charlstown, now of 
said Rutland, Shingling the Roof of the Meeting-House, the Weather all 
over Cloudy, with a Strong S. E. wind; about 9 a Clock in the Morning, Mr 
Frejich hearing a ratling on the Shingles, he said to Mr Wood, It Hails, and 
7ve must leave off; No reply'd Wood, It is not a shower of Hail, but Early; 
both being astonished at it, left off shingling, and found it to be real dry 
Barly, both by Taste and feeling, the shower lasted about two Minutes, and 
Supposes there might fall about a Peck of it, and also some Rye; They 
carryed Some of it to Mrs Willard. the Minister's wife; it Snowed afterwards; 
And Mr French says, that several others also did see it, and that they in- 
tended to pick up some of it to Sow, it is the more observable, that 'tis 
thought no Barly yet grows, or was Sowed in the Town. To the truth where 
of the said Mr French is ready to make Oath, as well as Wood* 

Our last gave you a Relation of a shower of Barly at Rutland; and since 
some others of that Town confirm the Truth of it; but it was a wrong In- 
formation we then had, of no Barly's being sow'd in that Town, for there 
had been.t 



James Clark, the third of the men killed, was a much older 
man than either Wood or Ward, and left a wife and seven children. 
The small estate shown by the inventory below was scarcely suffi- 
cient to meet the wants of that large family. I have been unable 
to find any record indicating the former residence of Mr. Clark, 
but he may have come to Rutland from Ireland, as did others 
with whom he was associated. 

A True Inventory of all & Singular the Reall & personall Estate of James 
Clark who Deces'' the 3'' of aug' 1724 praised by Samuel Wright Moses How 
& Rob' M<=lem October 2^ 1724 



♦Boston News Letter, No. 985, December, 1722. 
t Boston News Letter, No. 986, December, 1722. 



78 



Imp" his Cash & apparill Cash 5;,^ apparill £i 

Item Real Estate half a twenty acre lot & half the Rights 

Item personall Estate To a Steer Coming 3 years old at 

To a Calf at ^15 

To a hors Colt Coming four years old at 

To Seven grown hoggs at a year & uantage 

To Two Shoats @ lo^ 

To Six piggs at 3' 
Item To a beedstead Beed & furniture at 

To forty pounds of Sheeps wool at 15^ 
Item To peauter four great basons at 2/ 2 Smal Ditto 

Six Spoons 5. 
Item Iron ware one pot & hook at 12/ one Smal Ditto 
at 3/6 Tramils 5/ 

To a Spining Wheel 15/ 

To a hand Saw 5/ one auger 2/6 2 axes 6/ 2 Spad 
Tips 2/ an add 4/ a Chisell 2/ 

To flax in the Straw 
Item To four Tubs of butter weight 20"* Each 

To 2 Coolers at 1/ To a Churn 3/ To a pail & Sive 1/ 

To a Tub 2/6 To Two Chests 8/ Two Chairs 3/ 

To Indian Corn 30 bushels ;^3 12 Ditto Rye ;i^i. 16 
2 wheat 8/ 

To 4 bus"^ Barly at 2/3 : 9 

To a Cart & wheels Irons Excepted 



Total 



Sam" Wright 
robert maklem 
Moses How 



£ 


s d 


6. 


0. 


!o. 


0. 


2. 


0. 


0. 


15.0 


5- 


0. 


8. 


0. 


I. 


0. 


0. 


18.0 


3- 


10. 


2. 


10. 



o. 13.4 



I. 


0. 


6 


0. 
I. 


15- 
I. 



6 


I. 


0. 





3- 


4- 





0. 


6. 





0. 


13- 


6 



5. 13.0 



I24-I9-IO 



Presented in Probate Court, September 13, 1725. 

The widow, Isabella Clark, administered on the estate (John 
Crawford of Rutland and Jona. Stanhope of Sudbury, bondsmen). 
There were seven children : John, Hannah, Anna, Isabella, Jane 
aged 17, Adam aged 14, and Elizabeth aged 4. The widow 
died before February 3, 1726-7. The real estate, valued at 
^108., including house and 15 acres of lot No. 14 on Meeting 
House Hill (South by Country road. North & East by Highway), 
was set off to the eldest son, John, in June, 1727. Among the 



79 

names appearing on these papers are Moses How, glazier, John 
Crawford, blacksmith, Robert Lotherage, Andrew Macklam and 
Malkem Hendry. 



APPENDIX K. 

Samuel Wright was born in Sudbury, x'\pril 9, 1670, a son of 
Edward and Hannah Wright. His wife was Mary, daughter of 
Cyprian Stevens. He early became one of the proprietors of 
Rutland, and was one of the committee appointed by them to 
manage its affairs ; and, as one of the first to settle in the town he 
became familiar with its history, and assumed a conspicuous 
position, being moderator at the first town meeting, in June, 1722, 
and serving subsequently as town clerk, selectman, assessor, etc. 

He was also one of the deacons of the church, and for twenty 
years was evidently the principal man of Rutland. Upon the in- 
corporation of the County of Worcester, in 1731, he was commis- 
sioned one of its Justices of the Peace. 

Many of the records of the proprietors and of the town were 
written by him, and one can scarcely examine the papers con- 
nected with any Rutland estate previous to 1739 without finding 
the writing or the name of Mr. Wright. 

As early as 1722 he was in the service of the Province, having 
command of the military scouts guarding the towns and watching 
for the Indians, and, until the peace of 1726, he was busily em- 
ployed in similar duties. His letters and journals appearing in 
these pages comprise about all that is known of his military career. 
His death occurred at Rutland, January 15, 1739-40, and his 
large estate was left by will to his son William, and daughters, 
Hannah Rice, Dorothy Phelps, Mary Willard, Abigail Willard and 
Isabel Frink. A portion of the house in which he lived in Rut- 
land was standing a few years since. 



8o 

The next meeting was held Tuesday evening, 
May 5th. 

Present : Messrs. Crane, T. A. Dickinson, Wall, 
Wesby, Maynard, C. Jillson, Jackson, Estey, Sim- 
mons, Tolman, Lyford, Cutler, Staples, Paine, J. A. 
Smith, Hubbard, Gould, Stedman and Abbot, mem- 
bers (19); and 10 visitors. — 29. 

Dr. William T. Souther and Mr. John I. Souther 
were elected to membership in the Society. 

The Librarian reported 396 contributions for the 
month. 

Mr. Caleb A. Wall read a valuable paper upon 
"The Old Center School House, and its relation to 
the early school days of Worcester."* 

This was followed by remarks upon the subject 
from Messrs. Tolman, Simmons, Paine and Estey ; 
and Mr. Albert S. Brown, a visitor. 

The President, Mr. Crane, read a paper entitled 
"Early Colonial Settlements on the North Atlantic 
Coast." This paper had special reference to New 
Hampshire settlements. f 

The meeting was then adjourned. 

* Printed in the lVo7-cestcr Daily Spy. 

t Previously read before the Sons and Daughters of New Hampshire, and 
printed in the Memoirs of that society. 



8i 

Monthly meeting, Tuesday evening, June 2nd. 

Present : Messrs. Crane, C. Jillson, Rice, Wesby, 
Edwards, Estey, Simmons, Meriam, Maynard, T. A. 
Dickinson, Seagrave, Staples, H. M. Smith, Gould, 
Wall, Sumner, Abbot, and Brooks of Princeton — 18. 

211 donations for the month were reported by 
the Librarian. He also read letters concerning the 
Downes Collection, recently received, which com- 
prised 400 bound volumes, 600 almanacs, 200 mis- 
cellaneous papers, 10 New England Primers, and a 
collection of toy books printed by Isaiah Thomas. 
Remarks upon the value of the collection were 
made by Judge Jillson and Mr. Rice. 

On motion of Mr. H. M. Smith a committee of 
five was appointed by the President to arrange for 
the i\nnual Excursion and Field Day of the Society. 
The gentlemen designated were (Mr. Smith de- 
clining to serve): Daniel Seagrave, F. P. Rice, P. A. 
Lee, George Sumner and Herbert Wesby. On 
motion the President was by vote made a member 
of the Committee. 

Hon. Clark Jillson read a Memorial of the late 
Dr. Harvey Dwight Jillson, a member of the Society 
some years deceased. 

On motion of Mr. Staples it was voted to invite 
Senator Hoar to read a paper before the Society. 

The meeting was then adjourned. 



82 



SEVENTH ANNUAL FIELD DAY 

OF 

THE WORCESTER SOCIETY OF ANTIQUITY 

TO THE 

HISTORIC TOWN OF MENDON, 
June 17, 1885. 

This year the Society were ahnost unanimous in their choice in 
selecting " Old Mendum " as the locality to pass their Annual Field 
Day. Accordingly a Committee of Arrangements, consisting of 
Daniel Seagrave, Franklin P. Rice, Pardon A. Lee, George Sumner 
and Herbert Wesby (the President, Mr. E. B. Crane, being added 
by vote), was appointed at the June meeting to carry out the 
wishes of the Society, and selected the historic June 1 7th as the 
time for its observance. The morning was a Httle inauspicious on 
account of rain, but before the party left the cars at Millville the 
sun shone, and the remainder of the day was sunny and fair, and 
all that could be desired. 

The following gentlemen composed the party : Rev. Carlton A. 
Staples of Lexington, Francis E. Blake of Boston, Judge Adin 
Thayer, Sheriff A. B. R. Sprague, Superintendent of Schools A. P. 
Marble, President E. B. Crane, Albert Tolman, J. L. Estey, Geo. 
Maynard, H. W. Hubbard, C. S. Chapin, R. O'Flynn, Thos. A. 
Dickinson, R. N. Meriam, Lieut. F. G. Hyde of Oxford, John 
Brooks of Princeton, J. A. Smith, A. K. Gould, W. F. Abbot, A. E. 
Peck, C. A. Wall {Worres/t-r S/v), C. B. Knight, W. H. Bartlett, 
P. A. Lee, Daniel Seagrave, H. M. Smith, H. H. Chamberlin, 
Joseph Lovell, B. A. Leonard of Southbridge, E. W. Shumway 
( IVorcesier Gazette) and F. P. Rice. 



83 

Leaving Worcester on the lo a. m. Providence train for Mill- 
ville, omnibuses were taken for Mendon, passing by various points 
of liistoric interest. The first halt made was at the birthplace of Hon. 
Adin Thayer, where his grandfather, Caleb Thayer, first settled ; 
and the next was at the old Chestnut Hill Meeting House, built in 
1769, and here all alighted and a stop was made for half an hour, 
the old edifice in the meantime being examined and commented 
upon. By request. Rev. C. A. Staples gave a brief address from 
the high pulpit, in reference to matters connected with the history 
of the ancient structure. The only change of note made in it since 
its construction was the substitution, in 1869, just one hundred 
years after its erection, of several pews of more modern style in 
place of some of the original square box pews. The timbers are 
of oak, and the gallery long seats are of solid oak plank. Refer- 
ence was made to some of the first preachers in the house. Rev. 
Benjamin Balch, Rev. Caleb Alexander, Rev. Preserved Smith, 
Rev. Samuel Doggett and others, all but the first named alternating 
with their services at the First Church in Mendon. Afterwards 
the pulpit was supplied by ministers of different churches and va- 
rious denominations ; preachers of all shades of theological opinion 
have spoken here, from the Shaker to, and including, the Mormon.* 
"For m.any years there has been no preaching in it except in the 
summer season, from the difficulty of warming the building. Until 
the year 1845, when the territory, including Chestnut Hill Parish, 
then known as the South Parish of Mendon, was incorporated as 
the town of Blackstone, Mendon town meetings were held in it. 
Rev. Adin Ballou gave the address at the centennial celebration 
of this old meeting house, Oct. 6th, 1869. After the remarks of 
Rev. Mr. Staples, Old Hundred was sung by an extemporized 
choir in the gallery, Henry M. Smith of Worcester, leader, and 
Stephen Legg of Blackstone, the veteran violinist, played his 
favorite instrument. 

The old cemetery near the church was then visited, after which 
the party proceeded on the route, the next halt being at Wigwam 

* Ezra Benson, a prominent Salt Lake Mormon, once spoke in this church 
in exposition of his peculiar belief. He was a native of Mendon. 



84 

Hill, the heights of which were explored, and the stone foundation 
of the old observatory formerly standing upon it noticed. This 
old tower was torn down about fifteen years ago. It was built by 
Thompson Taft, father of the Thompson Taft now owning the 
premises, the estate being formerly owned by the latter's grand- 
father, Nathaniel Taft, who built the house at the foot of the hill. 
This is on the Mendon side of the town line. From the top of 
this hill twelve of the surrounding towns can be seen. 

Among the old homesteads next passed by was that of Abraham 
Staples of the third generation, great-grandfather of Rev. Carlton 
A. Staples, an honorary member of the Society, who was born 
there, and went to school and taught school in the neighboring 
school house. Close by is the birthplace of Rev. Mr. Staples's 
cousin, Judge Hamilton B. Staples. Soon after came Nipmuck 
pond, opposite which is the site of the setdement of the first Rob- 
ert Taft, in 1680, afterwards the Col. William Crowne place, now 
owned by Luther Taft. Col. Crowne was the first town clerk of 
Mendon. Next was noticed the birthplace of Mrs. Huston, the 
founder of the Taft Public Library at Mendon. Just before reach- 
ing the central village of Mendon was noticed the elegant mansion 
of Mr. Darling, formerly owned and occupied by Hon. Jonathan 
Russell, Member of Congress, Minister Plenipotentiary to Sweden, 
and one of the Commissioners to sign the treaty of peace with 
Great Britain at Ghent in 18 14, his associates being John Quincy 
Adams, Albert Gallatin, Henry Clay and James A. Bayard. 

At Mendon Town Hall the visitors were met and welcomed by 
the Selectmen of the Town, and by Dr. John G. Metcalf, Rev. 
Adin Ballou and others. Before dinner the Taft Public Library 
was visited, and other places of historic interest. At 1.30 p. m. 
dinner was partaken of, the tables being set in the Town Hall, and 
the divine blessing was asked by Rev. Mr. Staples. After dinner, 
which was a bountiful one, the company was called to order by 
Mr. Daniel Seagrave, Chairman of the Committee of Arrange- 
ments, who introduced Mr. E. B. Crane, President of the Society. 
Mr. Crane responded by explaining the objects of the visit to 
carry out the aims of the organization in the collection of facts of 



85 

important historical interest. He concluded by reading a letter 
from Hon. Clark Jillson, a former President of the Society, regret- 
ing his inability to be present. 

Gustavus B. Williams, Esq., Chairman of the Board of Select- 
men of Mendon, was then introduced, and welcomed the visitors 
to the town, highly commending the objects of their organization. 
Remarks followed by Dr. John G. Metcalf and Rev. Adin Ballou, 
both octogenarians and Honorary Members of the Society ; Judge 
Adin Thayer, Rev. Carlton A. Staples, Sheriff A. B. R. Sprague, 
and Superintendent A. P. Marble, all of them of a genial, social 
and enlivening character, appropriate to the occasion. Judge 
Thayer was especially at home in his relation of humorous inci- 
dents connected with the past in the old town, particularly in his 
reference to Joel Sullivan, the old fiddler, and closing with a hu- 
morous poem, "The Hunter and the Witch." 

After leaving the hall the visiting of places of historic note was 
continued. Among these places were the old cemetery, where are 
the remains of the first ministers, Rev. Joseph Dorr and Rev. Jo- 
seph Willard, and many of the early settlers ; the site of the first 
meeting house, nearly opposite the old tavern estate ; the old 
Samuel Dexter place, where Mrs. Jackson previously lived, who 
was killed by her negro servant, Jeffrey, in 1745, the hanging of 
the latter on Worcester Common being one of the first executions 
in the county ;* and next to the above, the Daniel Thurber place, 
where Mrs. Puffer and sons were killed by the Indians during King 
Philip's war ; also the house where A. W. Gaskill now resides, 
which was the birthplace of Abraham Redwood, founder of the 
Redwood Public Library of Newport, R. I. Before leaving, the 
thanks of the visitors were cordially expressed to the selectmen 
and citizens of Mendon for their courtesy and hospitality. 

The route from Mendon to Uxbridge in return was by the reg- 
ularly traveled road, on the west side of Nipmuck pond, of which 
a full view was had. On arrival at Uxbridge a half-hour was passed 

* See Judge Clark Jillson's forthcoming work : "The Death Penalty in 
Worcester County."' 



86 

in visiting the cemetery, common, and other localities of interest. 
The party returned by the train, reaching Worcester at 6.15 p. m., 
after an exceedingly pleasant and enjoyable day. Among the relics 
brought home was one of the old doors of the original pews in the 
Chestnut Hill Meeting House, built in 1 769 ; an Indian stone 
pestle, fourteen inches long and three inches thick, presented to 
the Society by Caleb S. Taft ; and several interesting historical 
papers, the gift of David Adams. 

This excursion proved to be one of the most interesting and 
enjoyable that the members of the Society have ever taken ; and 
this field day passed in old historic Mendon will be long and 
pleasantly remembered by those who shared its pleasures and en- 
joyments. 



The next regular meeting of the Society was held 
on the evening of Tuesday, July 7. 

Present : Messrs. Crane, T. A. Dickinson, Rice, 
Meriam, Estey, C. R. Johnson, Stedman, Hubbard, 
Rich, Wall, Cook, Lyford, Maynard, Seagrave, 
Edwards, Chandler, and Abbot. — 17. 

Ray Greene Huling, of Fitchburg, was elected a 
corresponding member ; and Myron E. Barrows, of 
Worcester, and Daniel B. Hubbard, of Grafton, 
were admitted as active members. 

The Secretary read a letter from Hon. George F. 
Hoar accepting the invitation to read a paper before 
the Society, and stating that he would endeavor to 
fulfill the engagement sometime within a few months. 



S7 

The Librarian reported 12 volumes, 90 pamphlets, 
10 papers, 3 pictures, and 7 articles for the Museum, 
as the accessions for the month. 

The President read a letter from William Sumner 
Barton, Esq., accompanying a large framed photo- 
graph of the Chandler- Barton Mansion, which he 
presented to the Society. Thanks were voted for 
the gift. 

Mr. Seagrave made a report in behalf of the 
Committee of Arrangements for the Mendon Ex- 
cursion ; and on his motion the thanks of the Society 
were given to the Selectmen and Ladies of Mendon 
for their attention and hospitality. 

The President spoke of the value and interest of 
some historical papers and ancient manuscripts 
presented to the Society by David Adams of Men- 
don. 

The subject of Indian Soapstone Manufactories 
was then introduced by the Librarian, Mr. Dickin- 
son, who spoke at some length of the ancient soap- 
stone quarries in New England, and particularly of 
the one at Millbury. Remarks folllowed by Messrs. 
Johnson, Crane, and Dr. Chandler. 

Mr. Rice said that he had the authority of Miss 
Helen M. Knowlton for the statement that her 
father, the late Hon. John S. C. Knowlton, was the 



88 

author of the series of papers pubHshed in the 
Worcester Palladium under the title of "Carl's 
Tour in Main Street." Some assistance in the col- 
lection of the material was probably given by Mr. 
Clarendon Wheelock. 

Mr. Seagrave spoke in high praise of Mr. Claren- 
don Wheelock's knowledge and ability, and said 
there were good reasons for the supposition that he 
was the author of the articles alluded to. 

The meeting was then adjourned. 



VISIT TO MILLBURY. 

Within the past year attention has been drawn to the locality in 
Millbury known as "Soapstone Hill" in consequence of the dis- 
covery there of several fine and perfect specimens of Indian steatite 
pots or cooking dishes. The matter was brought to the notice of 
the Society early in the year by Mr. T. A. Dickinson ; and at the 
July meeting, having visited and explored the region a few days 
before, finding many eviciences of aboriginal workmanship, some 
of which, in the shape of broken and unfinished soapstone utensils, 
he had brought away with him and now exhibited to the meeting, 
he expressed the opinion that the discovery was an important one, 
and said that the Society would do well to visit the locality. Presi- 
dent Crane, who had examined the ground, concurred in this view, 
and, a few days later, arrangements were made to carry it into effect. 

Saturday afternoon, July 25th, was the time selected for the 
trip. As many of the members of the Society were absent from 
the city at this season, a general response to the President's invita- 



89 

tion was not expected, and only a small number appeared. The 
following persons constituted the party : President Crane, Hon. 
Clark Jillson, Rufus N. Meriam, Thomas A. Dickinson, Daniel 
Seagrave, Herbert Wesby, Franklin P. Rice, Horatio L. Miller, 
and Messrs. French of the Gazette and Cummings of the Spy. 
These gentlemen enjoyed the roomy convenience of a four-horse 
omnibus, demonstrating the old adage : "The more the merrier, 
the less the better fare." Leaving the Rooms of the Society at 
half-past one, the regularly traveled road was taken through Quin- 
sigamond Village to Millbury, and after an hour's ride the party 
arrived at their destination. At Millbury they were joined by Dr. 
George C. Webber and Mr. Charles A. Moore. 

Soapstone Hill, also called Bancroft Hill, is situated in Braman- 
ville, in the southerly part of the town of Millbury, and is an ele- 
vation of considerable prominence, ledgy in character, with large 
boulders on the surface. Just down from the summit is a cave or 
large fissure in the rock, and here it is supposed that the soap- 
stone used by the Indians in the manufacture of their rude utensils 
was obtained. The hill is in the very heart of the old Nipmuck 
country, and was admirably adapted to the requirements of an 
Indian village. It is high enoug"h to command a fine view of a 
wide stretch of country upon all sides. It stands in the center of 
a system of ponds, rivers and brooks, which furnished the Indians 
unlimited fishing grounds. The strata of rock between which the 
soapstone is found lie at an angle of nearly forty-five degrees, and 
boldly crop out along the brow of the southerly side of the hill, 
forming an excellent shelter for wigwams pitched upon the narrow 
plateau just below. From the summit could be seen watch-fires 
burning on VVachusett, or upon hills in all directions for a long dis- 
tance. It was probably a favorite abiding place of the Nipmucks 
for many years. 

President Crane had obtained permission from the owner of the 
premises to make such investigation as might be necessary to de- 
termine the character and value of the evidences of Indian occu- 
pation ; and he had provided sundry iron bars, picks and shovels 
with the intention of thoroughly probing the surface, and bringing 



90 

forth such secrets as it might disclose. But the hopes of the party 
in this direction were suddenly overset by the appearance of the 
daughter of the owner, who had left her employment in the mill 
close by, and who now interposed her authority against any dis- 
turbance of the soil by pick and shovel. It appeared that rumors 
of the sale of two or three soapstone dishes found on the hill and 
in the vicinity, and of an interest in, and demand for, such articles 
among archaeologists, had raised visions in the minds of the family 
of untold wealth lying among the boulders ; and the barren old 
hilltop had now assumed, in their eyes, a value never before con- 
templated, and was to be guarded with the utmost vigilance against 
intruders. 

After some expostulation the young woman allowed the party 
to visit the quarry and make a surface search for specimens. Many 
fragments and partially wrought utensils were scattered about, and 
other evidences were found which satisfied the visitors that the 
place had been extensively used by the Indians as a manufactory 
for their rude vessels of soapstone. After half an hour spent in 
examining the hill and quarry, the representative of the owner, 
who had jealously watched proceedings, informed the party that 
they had been there long enough, and she desired them not to 
stand upon the order of their going, but to go at once. The 
members of The Worcester Society of Antiquity were at first 
disposed to resent this peremptory dismissal, it not being in ac- 
cordance with the punctihous ceremonial usually observed by such 
bodies ; and the case was laid before Judge Jillson for a legal 
opinion. Unfortunately the Judge's decision was reserved, and, 
under the circumstances, deeming discretion the better part, the 
visitors, somewhat crestfallen, withdrew just over the border of the 
estate ; and taking refuge in the porch of an unoccupied house, 
listened to the reading of a paper on Indian Soapstone Dishes by 
Mr. Dic5kinson. The following is a brief abstract : 

Pots or vessels made of soapstone, bearing evidences of con- 
siderable antiquity, have been found throughout the New England 
States. In the Amherst College collection are several well-pre- 
served specimens which were found in the town of Brookfield, 



91 

Massachusetts ; and in the museum of The Worcester Society of 
Antiquity we have one from the same locality, which was dug up 
several years ago on the old Gilbert farm, near the site of the In- 
dian fort. A very good specimen was found by two Worcester 
gentlemen last November near the head of Lake Quinsigamond. 
The color of this is somewhat changed by heat, and it bears evi- 
dence of having been exposed for a considerable time to the action 
of water. 

It is probable that many of the surface exposures of steatite or 
soapstone were worked by the Indians, but the actual existence 
of such a working place in New England has been known but a 
few years. This was discovered near Providence, Rhode Island, 
in 1878 ; and it appears to have been an extensive manufactory 
of soapstone dishes or pots. 

This quarry is on land owned by Mr. H. N. Angell of Providence, 
known as the "Big Elm Tree Farm." It is situated just north of 
the Killingly Pike, in the town of Johnson. The excavation had 
been covered by an accumulation of soil, and it was only after this 
had been removed that the true character of the place was revealed. 
Vast quantities of chips were found, and many fragments of pots, 
as well as a large number of roughly pointed stones of harder ma- 
terial, which were evidently used as chisels for working out the 
utensils. Similar implements were to be found about the Millbury 
qu.arry. 

The pots or dishes discovered were of the type found in New 
England, and very similar to those obtained in other parts of the 
country. Most of them are oval in form, and are furnished with 
handles or ear-like projections at each end. These dishes were 
not used for pounding and grinding the maize or other food, as 
many suppose, but for baking and cooking, and heating water. 

The paper discussed somewhat minutely the details of the man- 
ufacture of these utensils, and the varieties of implements used by 
the workers of tliese (juarries. Reference was made to the widely 
separated localities where the pots were made, particularly to the 
Washington, D. C. and the California quarries ; also to the dis- 
tribution of the pots in remote parts, a suggestion of barter among 



92 

the tribes. Inquiry was ventured as to the character of the people 
who made these utensils : Were they the Indians known to Euro- 
peans, or an earlier race ? In closing Mr. Dickinson acknowledged 
his indebtedness to the monographs of Paul Schumacher, F. W. 
Putnam, and E. R. Reynolds, for materials used in his paper. 

At the close of the reading of the paper, the party reentered 
the omnibus and started on their return to Worcester. A brief 
stop was made to view the collections of the Millbury Natural 
History Society, where Dr. Webber exhibited some fine soapstone 
dishes which were found on the shores of Singletary pond.* The 
city was reached about five o'clock, and the party separated, well 
pleased with their adventures, notwithstanding their partial disap- 
pointment. 



The regular monthly meeting was held Tuesday 
evening, September i. 

. Present : Messrs. Crane, T. A. Dickinson, Estey, 
Edwards, Meriam, J. A. Smith, Gould, C. Jillson, 
Dodge, E. F. Thompson, J. A. Howland, Bartlett, 
Maynard, Lee, Barrows, C. R. Johnson, Seagrave, 

* Sometime early in the summer of 1885 some Indian soapstone dishes were 
brought to Worcester from Millbury, and sold for a good price to a dealer in 
antiques. These were found on Soapstone hill by the party who sold them, 
— at least, such was his statement. .Soon after, he produced another lot, which 
were also purchased by the aforesaid dealer, and placed on exhibition. The 
collection was examined by President Crane and Messrs. T. A. Dickinson and 
F. P. Rice of The Worcester Society of Antic|uity, and the larger portion was 
pronounced by them to be spurious. Some three or four of the pots were 
unquestionably genuine, and the difference in character and workmanship 
between these and the others was plain, even to an unpracticed eye. Puit the 
purchaser remained unconvinced, and stoutly maintained the genuineness of 
his wares. In the course of the summer another Worcester party was drawn 
into the net, and invested a large sum in counterfeit Indian pots and non- 
descript soapstone ornaments. These articles were produced in astonishing 



93 

Pierce and Rice, members ; and William B. Earle, 
Estey, and H. A. Sweet, visitors. — 22. 

Mr. Abbot being absent, Mr. Rice acted as Sec- 
retary. 

George S. Adams, M. D., James Green, William 
Woodward, and Daniel W. Niles, M. D., were 
elected active members of the Society. 

The Secretary read the following letter and in- 
closure from Hon. Charles Adams, Jr., of North 
Brookfield : 

North Brookfield, September i, 18S5. 
To The Worcester Society of Antiquity : 

I herewith inclose Copies of 
Parish Records of the last century, which will show the difference 
between the views entertained one hundred years ago by religious 
societies, and those held at the present time, in regard to lotteries, 
raffles, &c. 

I also send by express, directed to the address of your Secretary, 
an old gun, a part of the armament of the slave schooner "Amistad," 
confiscated and sold with all its appurtenances, at New London in 
the year 1839, under a decree of the United States Court. The 
slaves, so claimed, were declared to be free men, and, after being 

quantity, ami tlie place of discovery was now claimed to be on the shores of 
Singletary pond, in Sutton. The swinrlle lje_<(an to assume such proportions 
that measures were taken to effectually expose it; and on the occasion of 
the visit of Prof. V . W. Putnam to the locality of the mastodon discovery in 
Northborouijh, on October 17th, he was, on his return to Worcester, taken 
by the gentlemen above named to view the collection of the principal victim. 
The validity of his judgment could not l)e questioned. Efforts were made to 
bring the guilty party to justice, but he had escaped. 



94 

educated, were returned to their native country, Mendi, in Africa, 
by anti-slavery friends. John Quincy Adams appeared as their 
counsel. A very particular and interesting account of the case is 
given in Henry Wilson's "Rise and Fall of the Slave Power in 
America," vol. i., pp. 456 to 469. You will make such disposition 
of the copies of the votes and of the old gun as you may see fit. 
With great respect, your ob't S'v't, 

Cha*. Adams, Jr. 

[Inclosure.] 

From the Records of the Second Precinct in Brookheld. 

Communicated by Charles Adams, Jr. 

At a legal meeting of the Second Precinct in Brookfield (now 
the First Congregational Society in North Brookfield), March 7, 
1 79 1, it was "Voted : That the Treasurer be directed to sell the 
old Continental money now in his hands amounting to $2,148,00, 
to the best advantage he can, for specie ; and that Lieut. William 
Ayres and Capt. John Waite be a committee to assist him in the 
disposal thereof, and that they are jointly empowered and in- 
structed to lay out the proceeds of the same in tickets in the 
Massachusetts Monthly State Lottery, for the benefit of the Pre- 
cinct." 

And at an adjourned meeting, March 30, 1791, it was "Voted, 
That the Treasurer, with the Committee appointed to assist in the 
disposal of the old Continental Money, be further directed to con- 
tinue in the lottery the number of tickets that the said old money 
shall purchase, provided the first drawing shall produce to the 
precinct a sum sufficient for the purpose, until they shall receive 
further orders from the Precinct, and that the overplus, if any, 
shall, from time to time, be deposited in the treasury for the use 
of the Precinct." 

It appears from the report of Jason Bigelovv, Treasurer of the 
Precinct, made at the next annual meeting, that the $2,148.00 of 



95 

"Old Continental Money" was sold for twelve shillings, New Eng- 
land currency, equivalent to two dollars, or 9^, mills on the dollar ! 
And so ended the first, and probably the last, lottery speculation 
of our religious society. 

The thanks of the Society were voted for Mr. 
Adams's gifts. 

Hon. Clark Jillson read the following Memorial 
of^the late Manning Leonard, Esq., of Southbridge, 
a life member of the Society : 

MANNING LEONARD. 

BY CLARK JILLSON. 

The Baptist Church of Sturbridge was established in 1747, and 
then consisted of fifteen members. They were called "New 
Lights," "Separatists," and various other names tending to show 
or convey the impression that they were not "Regulars." It was 
not then dangerous to be of the Orthodox faith, nor safe to be a 
Baptist. In 1749 Rev. Ebenezer Moulton, of the Baptist Church 
in Brimfield, baptised thirteen persons in Sturbridge. The increase 
of this persecuted church was rapid, and in a few weeks sixty 
others were baptised. 

These persons refused to pay the "minister tax" levied by the 
town for the support of the Orthodox minister. This was con- 
trary to the laws of Massachusetts Bay. Property was seized to 
satisfy the demands of the tax collector, and Dea. Daniel Fiske, 
John Corey, Jeremiah Barstow, Josiah Perry and John Draper 
were imprisoned in the jail at Worcester ; but individuality and 
free thought finally trium[jl-ied, and the Baptist Church of Stur- 
bridge survived. 

The Rev. Zenas Lockwood Leonard came from Bridgewater to 
Worcester County about 1796, and settled in Sturbridge, where he 
was pastor of this same Baptist Church for thirty-six years. Of 
his parents I shall say but little. His father was uncultivated and 



96 

somewhat rude in his manners, but his mother was a woman of 
rare quaUties, refined and intelligent. It was through her persis- 
tent efforts that her son was enabled to obtain a liberal education 
at Brown University. He was a faithful minister, and his long 
service shows that his labor was tolerated to say the least. 

In addition to his ministerial qualifications he exhibited con- 
siderable enterprise in business affairs, being an owner in the first 
cotton factory built in the vicinity of Sturbridge, erected in 1811. 

His wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was Sally 
Fiske, a descendant of one of the earliest settlers of Sturbridge. 
They had a family of seven children. Manning, the fifth child, 
was born in Sturbridge, June i, 18 14. His early years were spent 
upon a farm, where he learned the art of husbandry as it was un- 
derstood in New England before the introduction of the iron 
plow, the mowing machine, the horse rake, and many other use- 
ful farm implements. Here he patiently toiled during the long 
summer days, attending school only in winter. 

With such scanty facilities our young men of to-day would 
hardly expect to equip themselves to enter any of the higher in- 
stitutions of learning. But his time was not squandered in bar 
rooms, in low-bred society or in unprofitable sports. He pursued 
his studies after the labors of the day had ceased, by the open 
fire, while around the hearthstone were gathered a numerous 
family, whose merry voices mingled with the moan of the spinning 
wheel, urged to its utmost speed by maternal hands. No primitive 
lamp sent its gloomy haze among the dimly printed pages. No 
gas jet poured its steady light over the unconquered problem. No 
electric glare filled nook, corner and crevice of that humble dwell- 
ing. But the pine knot, just under the forestick, sent its dancing 
rays over the lesson of the hour and illumined the catch-word to 
future success. Thus was this hopeful boy educated and fitted 
for the sterner duties of life, more than half a century ago. His 
meagre schooling in Sturbridge and at Amherst Academy con- 
stituted his passport into the arena of business. 

His desire to engage in mercantile pursuits turned his course 
towards the great commercial metropolis, the city of New York. 



97 

Here lie was employed as a clerk in the dry goods house of Tiffany, 
Anderson & Co., where he became familiar with city life and the 
ways of trade. New York was not too small to allow his mind 
legitimate scope, but the dry goods house was too thoroughly un- 
derstood to afford further satisfaction to his ambition, and like 
many other young men of his time, he went West. 

In 1835 he commenced trade in Indiana where he did an ex- 
tensive business, but his native town was still remembered, and it 
ma.y be fairly presumed that the attractions of that vicinity were 
never overlooked, for, at the age of twenty-six years he married 
Mary F. Ammidown, daughter of Hon. Ebenezer D. Ammidown, 
a prominent and much respected citizen of Southbridge, 

Locality indicates that these young persons were not strangers 
to each other, and their future lives confirmed the wisdom of both 
in the selection they then so trustingly made. They had seven 
children, five of whom are now living. 

In 1844 Mr. Leonard returned to Massachusetts after closing 
up his business in the West, He was now thirty years of age, with 
a varied business experience, and was well qualified to make what- 
ever he undertook a success. He was soon associated with his 
life-long friend, Chester A Dresser, in running the Central Mills in 
Southbridge, where they carried on a large business in the manu- 
facture of cotton cloth and delaines. Mr. Leonard continued in 
this business till failing health caused him to retire from active 
service, at the age of fifty-nine years. 

There were no glaring eccentricities or chance ventures con- 
nected with the life of Mr. Leonard. He was always in earnest, 
always conservative, sincere and truthful, never rash or impetuous. 
Whenever his analytical mind had canvassed a given subject his 
decision was final, and generally correct. He left but little room for 
repentance. He had few dealings with the past except as a histo- 
rian. He took no retrograde steps, for when he had completed a 
deliberate purpose he had always done his best, and a review would 
only waste time and accomplish nothing. The course he intended 
to pursue was never undertaken without premeditation, conse- 
quently he seldom achieved more then he had reason to expect 

13 



/ 



98 

or less than he was prepared to reahze. Sincerity and truthfuhiess 
were marked quaUties in his character, and when he made a ver- 
bal promise no virtue could be added to it by appending his sig- 
nature, seal or oath. 

Mr. Leonard, with his wife, joined the Presbyterian Church at 
Madison, Indiana, in 1842. The church was no worse after the 
accession, and he was no better ; but possibly the example was a 
benefit and gave encouragement to others less firmly grounded in 
Christian hope. 

The eminent moral and Christian character of Mr. Leonard was 
not overlooked by his fellow citizens. He enjoyed the confidence 
of his neighbors and townsmen in a remarkable degree, being fre- 
quently called to occupy places of trust and responsibility in the 
administration of town affairs, and to fill numerous local offices. 
He was a justice of the peace for more than thirty years, and in 
1869 was a member of the Legislature. He was active, if not the 
prime mover, in establishing the Southbridge Savings Bank, and 
was clerk of the corporation thirt)'-seven years. He was a di- 
rector of the Southbridge National Bank for a term of thirty-six 
years, and his financial methods were of great service to both these 
institutions. He was thoroughly interested in the Free Public 
Library established in 18 71 by his friend, Hon. Holmes Ammidown, 
and was a member of the committee from the establishment of 
the library to the time of his death. Like Mr. Ammidown he was 
a devoted student of local history and genealogy, being a life 
member of The Worcester Society of Antiquity and of the New 
England Historic Genealogical Society. He was made a life 
member of our Society May 3, 1S81, and has never failed to ad- 
vance our interests when it was possible for him to do so. For 
several years he had been compiling a genealogical record of the 
Leonard family, and at the time of his death the history of his own 
branch was fully completed and ready for publication. 

Mr. Leonard was a zealous advocate of our American institu- 
tions, and during the late rebellion he stood firm by the Union, 
always hoping and believing that the right would prevail. He had 
but one political code — one religious creed — both based on 



99 

substantial common sense, upon a plane above the bickerings of 
party strife or sectarian dogma. He was kind to the poor and 
always in sympathy with the unfortunate, but made no parade of 
his generosity nor sought public approval. It was enough for him 
to quietly perform his duty as a good and loyal citizen, without 
hope of reward. 

On Friday, July 30, 1885, conscious of having lived a noble 
life,«he passed on into the unknown future, his dust returning to 
dust, "his spirit to God who gave it." 



The Librarian presented his report showing that 
the additions during the summer months had been 
large, 'and that they included many valuable books 
and relics. 

Mr. Dickinson then exhibited two machines for 
making card teeth which were constructed in the 
early part of the present century, one of which he 
operated. He gave a brief sketch of the invention 
of these machines and of the manufacture of card 
clothing. Remarks in relation to this subject were 
made by William B. Earle, engaged in the card 
clothing business for more than sixty years ; and by 
Joseph A. Howland and others. 

The President gave some account of the recent 
visit of certain members of the Society to the Indian 
Soapstone Quarry at Millbury, and read some cor- 
respondence pertaining thereto. 

The meeting was then adjourned. 



lOO 

Regular monthly meeting, Tuesday evening, 
October 6th. 

Present : Messrs. Crane, T. A. Dickinson, Rice, 
C. Jillson, Barrows, Stedman, Lyford, Gould, Sim- 
mons, Jackson, H. M. Smith, Woodward, Meriam, 
Seagrave, Taft, Pierce, Hubbard and Abbot, mem- 
bers ; and Albert S. Brown and J. Gould, visitors. 
— 20. 

Dr. Charles L. Nichols, Horatio L, Miller and 
George H. Mellen of Worcester ; Henry D. Woods 
of Boston, and Bernard A. Leonard of Southbridge, 
were elected active members of the Society. 

The Librarian reported additions to the library 
and museum for the month of September of 5 vol- 
umes, 195 pamphlets, 81 papers, and 10 miscella- 
neous articles. 

Mr. F. P. Rice gave notice of his intention to 
offer certain amendments to the constitution at some 
future meeting. 

Mr. J. C. Lyford presented as the Report of the 
Department of Coins, Relics and Curiosities, a val- 
uable and interesting paper on "Medals."^ 

Remarks on the same subject were made by 
Messrs. Crane, Smith, Jillson, Seagrave, Sumner 
and Dickinson. 

* See Department Reports. 



lOI 



The President mentioned in fitting terms the 
death of David OHver Woodman, a member of the 
Society ; and appointed Mr. T. A. Dickinson to pre- 
pare a suitable memorial. 

The meeting was then adjourned. 



A special meeting of the Society was held Tues- 
day evening, October 13th. 

Present : Messrs. Crane, Rice, Dickinson, Lee, 
C. Jillson, Meriam, Cutler, Staples, Simmons, Pierce, 
Tucker, Starr and Abbot, members ; and Dr. W. H. 
Raymenton and H. R. Cummings, visitors. — 15. 

Mr. Frank F. Starr of Middletown, Connecticut, 
read a paper entitled "Correspondence relative to 
the Manufacture and Presentation of Two Swords 
given by the State of Tennessee to Generals An- 
drew Jackson and Edmund P. Gaines."* This 
paper was especially valuable for the insight it gave 
into the difficulties and delays of financial transac- 
tions between the West and the East sixty or more 
years ago. Mr. Starr exhibited the model of the 
swords, which were made by his grandfather. On 
motion the thanks of the Society were voted for the 
reading of the paper. 

*This paper was prepared for, ami had been read before the Connecticut 
Historical Society at Hartford. 



I02 

Dr. Raymenton exhibited a human skull found 
that day in Northborough while excavating in fur- 
ther search for mastodon remains on the farm of 
William U. Maynard. The skull was discovered 
firmly imbedded in peat at the bottom of the ditch, 
within a few feet of the spot where the mastodon 
fragments were found. Dr. Raymenton gave an 
account of the discovery in detail, and stated that 
he removed the skull from the peat with his own 
hands. 

Remarks were made by President Crane, Mr. T. 
A. Dickinson and others. Some doubts were ex- 
pressed as to the character and age of the skull, 
and the probability of a hoax was discussed. Mr. 
F. P. Rice said that Mr. F. W. Putnam, curator 
of the Peabody Museum at Cambpidge, was well 
qualified to decide in this matter, and suggested 
that he be invited to visit the place of discovery, 
and to make an examination of the skull. '^ 

The meeting was then adjourned. 



* After some hesitation this suggestion was acted upon, and Dr. Raymen- 
ton and Mr. Dickinson both wrote to Prof. Putnam, urging him to visit Wor- 
cester. He responded favorably, and appointed Saturday, Oct. 17th, as the 
time. Accordingly, on that day, in company with President Raymenton and 
Vice-President fJillings of the Worcester Natural History Society; President 
Crane, Librarian Dickinson, Messrs. H. M. Smith and F. P. Rice of The 
Worcester .Society of Antiquity, he viewed the place of discovery in North- 
borough. The skull has since undergone a careful examination at Cambridge, 
and Prof. Putnam's report is awaited with much interest. 



lO- 



Regular monthly meeting-, Tuesday evening, 
November 3d. 

Present : Messrs. Crane, Chandler, Staples, Rice, 
Hubbard, Taft, Meriam, Chase, C. Jillson, Paine, 
Cutler, Seagrave, Stiles, Sumner, Gould, Lee, Peck, 
Simmons, Leonard, T. A. Dickinson, Clark, Estey, 
Forehand, Miller, Nichols, Mellen, Pierce, Stedman, 
H. M. Smith, Woodward, Tucker, Edwards, Wall 
and Abbot, members ; and Henry H. Chamberlin, 
Joseph Lovell, A. B. Lovell, E. W. Shumway, John 
C. Otis, W. H. Sawyer, Dexter Rice, H. G. O. Blake, 
J. P. Houghton and Samuel A. Porter, visitors. — 44. 

The Librarian reported 26 volumes, 2,3 pamphlets, 
20 papers, and 4 articles for the museum as the ad- 
ditions for the month. 

Mr. Henry H. Chamberlin was then introduced, 
and read a paper entitled "Worcester Main Street 
sixty-three years ago." This paper vividly described 
the appearance of the principal thoroughfare of the 
town at the time of the author's earliest recollection, 
and comprised many entertaining reminiscences of 
persons and places. Remarks in relation to the 
incidents recalled were made by Messrs. Samuel A. 
Porter, Joseph Lovell, A. B. Lovell, Nathaniel Paine, 
H. G. O. Blake, Dr. Chandler and others. On 
motion of Mr. Paine the thanks of the Society were 



I04 

given to Mr. Chamberlin, and a copy of his paper 
was requested for publication. 

The meeting was then adjourned. 

Mr. Chamberlin prefaced his paper with a brief 
introduction as follows : 

In the preface to Lincoln's History of Worcester is the follow- 
ing remark : 

" It seemed desirable, while it was yet possible, to gather the 
fast fading traditions and scattered records of the past, and present 
more full view of our local history than was permitted by the limits 
of religious discourse and festival address, or accorded with the 
plan of former writers." 

In the spirit of this sentence I wish to add my modest gleanings 
to the fuller sheaves of others. 

I am indebted to Lincoln's History, and to the pubHcations of 
Mr. Nathaniel Paine and Mr. Caleb A. Wall for much information. 
I also gratefully acknowledge the courteous aid of three ladies of 
the city to whose recollections I am indebted for interesting and 
valuable facts. 

With this assistance, and relying upon my own memory, I pro- 
pose to speak of Worcester Main Street sixty-three years ago. 



ik 



WORCESTER MAIN STREET 

» SIXTY-THREE YEARS AGO. 



BY HENRY H. CHAMBERLIN, 

The quiet village of 1822, now a busy and bustling city, was 
perhaps as remarkable for the elegant leisure of its inhabitants, as 
it has since become for its active and successful enterprise. 

It is the purpose of this paper to place on record the location of 
the principal dwellings and other buildings of the town, particularly 
on Main Street, with the names of their occupants, at the above 
date. 

Beginning at Paine's Hill in Lincoln Street and going southerly, 
the first house we come to is that of Dr. William Paine, a sub- 
stantial mansion, with its ample grounds, known as "The Oaks." 
This had been begun by Hon. Timothy Paine, the founder of the 
family in Worcester, just before the commencement of the Revo- 
lutionary War, but was not finished or occupied till after the war ; 
at the death of Timothy Paine the estate came into the possession 
of Dr. William Paine, who, after many vicissitudes, came to reside 
at "The Oaks" in 1793, and made his home there till his death 
in 1833, thus having spent the last forty years of a long and event- 
ful hfe in the peaceful shades of his paternal home. 

His son and successor was Frederick William Paine, who was 
one of our most honored, as he was one of our most useful citizens. 

The extensive garden at "The Oaks," sloping southerly from 
the house, always kept in fine order by his assiduous care, and 
remarkable fur the variety, beauty and novelty of its plants and 
flowers, was a constant witness to Mr. Paine's rare taste and 
skill in his favorite pursuit. 

14 



io6 

Just south of the above estate was the "Hancock Mansion." 
This had been the property of Thomas Hancock, who, at his de- 
cease, willed it to his nephew, Gov. John Hancock. In 1781 it 
became the property of Gov. Levi Lincoln, senior, who lived here 
till his decease in 1820, a period of nearly forty years. It soon 
afterwards came under the management of William Lincoln, who 
enlarged and embellished the garden and grounds. The house 
was finally removed to Grove Street, where it now stands. The 
late William A. Wheeler built on the site of the Hancock Mansion 
an elegant and spacious house, which is now the residence of 
Philip L. Moen, Esq. 

At some distance south of this, standing under two magnificent 
elms which still shelter it, was and still is, a large plain house, 
which was occupied by Hon. Timothy Paine (who came here with 
his widowed mother while still a child) until he built the family 
mansion known as "The Oaks" above mentioned. At this time 
(1822) it was occupied by the Misses Kennedy and Mr. Levi 
Rice. 

At a little later period Mr. Isaac Goodwin built and occupied a 
pleasant house which was afterwards the residence of Edwin 
Conant, Esq., and is still standing just south of what was the Lin- 
coln garden. 

Next south of the Paine house, at a short distance, stood the 
" Hancock Arms," for many years known as the " Brown and But- 
man Tavern." A part of this house had been used as the jail till 
1753 ; subsequently it was used as a tavern for many years, but 
had been abandoned some time before 1822. It was burned in 
1824. Near it stood the jail built of wood in 1753, which had 
been the prison till the building of the stone jail opposite. I be- 
lieve this wooden jail shared the fate of the " Hancock Arms." 

A short distance further south brings us to a wooden building 
which had been Mr. Salisbury's store for many years till he moved 
his goods into a part of his house, which had been enlarged and 
altered for the purpose. The store remained unoccupied except 
as a storehouse for the residue of his goods on his retiring from 
business. In 1823 or 4 it was used as a painter's shop by Mr. 



i^. 



I07 

Theo|)hilus Western, the same who recommended that the " nots " 
be left out of the "Ten Commandments" when inscribing them 
on some tablets for the church. These tablets, the gift of Mr. 
Samuel B. Scott, still adorn the walls of the First Unitarian Church. 

Acrq^ss the brook, and almost on its very edge, was the Salisbury 
mansion, Mr. Salisbury's last place of business and his residence 
for many years. This mansion still stands on its original site and 
presents much the same appearance, except in color, that it did 
sixty years ago. This edifice was built in 1770, and after Mr. 
Salisbury's death was occupied by his widow and their son, the 
late Hon. Stephen Salisbury, till the marriage of the latter, when 
he resided in one of a block of houses on the east side of Main 
street, till he built his elegant and commodious mansion on the 
hill, west of Main street and just south of the Jo Bill road. This 
house is now the residence of his son, Stephen Salisbury, 3d. 

Going westward, across the square, the next building was the 
store of Dr. Abraham Lincoln, where he dispensed law, liquor and 
medicine with equal urbanity and respectability. 

Directly in the rear of this store, across the street running over 
Court Hill, was the house of Clark Whittemore, bookbinder ; near 
this stood the brick Court House, surmounted by the statue of 
Justice, with bandaged eyes, holding her unevenly balanced scales 
in one hand and her blunted sword in the other. 

Just south, on the site of the new stone Court House, was the 
elegant mansion of Dr. Isaiah Thomas, one of the most patriotic 
and public-spirited citizens of Worcester, during and after the 
Revolutionary War. At a little distance south of his dwelling 
were his printing office and store, then unoccupied, except, per- 
haps, by some relics of his former business. 

South of these small buildings was a lawn sloping down from 
the house of Dr. Oliver Fiske, from whose abundant gardens the 
writer and his comrades have received many a hatful of delicious 
peaches, robbed a little, perhaps, of their most racy flavor, because 
the Doctor's liberal hands made it impossible to purloin them. 
Dr. Fiske's house was an ancient structure, built in the early part 
of the eighteenth century by Judge William Jennison, an early 



J 



io8 

settler, and ancestor of the later generations of the name. In 1731 
a ''cage" for prisoners was built in the rear part of it, but this was 
removed the next year to Deacon Daniel Heywood's tavern, on 
the site of the Bay State House, where it remained till the first 
jail was built in 1733. 

Next south of this lawn was a long wooden building where Mr. 
George A. Trumbull had a bookstore which he soon after sold out 
to Mr. Clarendon Harris. In the south part of the same building 
T. & W. Keith opened their jewelry store. Next this was the 
" Dix " place, built before the Revolution. It was occupied by 
the family of Dr. Joseph Warren while Boston was in possession 
of the British. At the time of which we are writing it had become 
a first-class boarding house where Mr. Clarendon Harris and other 
gentlemen were the guests. This site is now occupied by the fine 
brick residence of F. H. Dewey, Jr. 

Dr. Jeremiah Robinson, with his family of beautiful daughters, 
occupied the next building, the upper stories for his dwelling and 
the basement for his store. 

Next was a small house where resided Artemas Ward, Esq., 
Register of Deeds ; next came the brick store of Rice & Miller, 
successors to the extensive business of Mr. Daniel Waldo. This 
store was built by Mr. Daniel Waldo, senior, soon after his first 
coming to Worcester in 1782, and is believed to be the first brick 
building here. Daniel Waldo, junior, succeeded to the business 
of his father about 1800, and sold his business to Rice & Miller 
as above, about the year 1S18 or 1820. Mr. Henry W. Miller 
still continues the business "at the old stand." After retiring from 
the mercantile business Mr. Waldo had his counting room in the 
south part of the store till his death. 

Next south of Rice & Miller's the new Calvinist Church was 
just a-building ; near it, on the south, Mr. William Ealon built a 
handsome brick store, where Burt & Merrick carried on a large 
business as a general store. 

Across a large yard stood Mr. William Eaton's house, now oc- 
cupied by Miss Sally Eaton, his only surviving daughter. This 
ancient mansion (the oldest house now standing on Main street ; 
built about 1750) was owned in 1760 by Mr. Nathan Baldwin, 



* I09 

then by Mr. Nathaniel CooHdge till about the beginning of this 
century. South of this was the estate of the late Enos Tucker, 
the house occuijied by his widow and the shop by her sons as a 
harness shop. 

At a short distance south stood a one-story cottage that had 
been occupied for some years by William Eaton as a shoemaker's 
shop, the business then being continued by Nathaniel Eaton, who, 
the next year, bought what was known as the "Palmer Goulding" 
estate, then kept as a tavern by William Chamberlain. There was 
a large yard between this cottage and the Center School House, 
which yard daily received the overflow of the boys from the school. 
This school house, which stood on the site of the Chadwick Build- 
ing just erected by Mr. Henry S. Pratt, was built by the private 
munificence of several gentlemen whose names have always been 
prominent in the annals of the town. They were Elijah Dix, Jo- 
seph Allen, Levi Lincoln, Nathan Patch, John Green, John Nazro, 
Palmer Goulding and others. But as the children of these sub- 
scribers were gradually removed to the colleges or engaged in 
active business the school gradually declined, until in 1 799 the 
house became the property of the inhabitants of the Center Dis- 
trict. New interest was excited in the schools in 1823, and from 
that time to the present our public schools have been a source 
of pride to the inhabitants. 

South of the Center School House stood a small building 
owned by Dr. Green, and occupied about this time by Mr. Webb, 
the barber, and O. Ware and Luke N. Perry, tinsmiths and jobbers. 
Another building stood between this and Dr. Green's house, which 
after passing through various phases of business was transmuted 
into the rooms of the Central Bank in 1828, Mr. C. Harris occu- 
pying the north part as his store. 

The next house going south was of brick, standing on a con- 
siderable elevation which obtruded across the sidewalk, so that 
foot passengers had to ascend and descend this eminence in going 
either way. This was Dr. Green's house, built by his father, and 
was the first brick dwelling house in town. There was an annex 
on the south end of the house where Green & Heywood kept an 
apothecaries' shop till April, 1822, when it was occupied by Wood 



I lO 

& Perkins as a dry goods store. In 1824 it was kept by W. & A. 
Brown, whose successors still continue the tailoring business then 
established. 

The next building on the south was Mr. Samuel Brazer's brick 
dwelling house, with his store in the basement, built on the ruins 
of his house burnt in the destructive fire of 1815. Mr. Brazerwas 
probably the first to offer for sale cotton goods made in Worcester, 
they being the product of a factory established as early as 1789. 
This house is now (1885) the residence of William Dickinson, Esq. 
Next south of it was the office of Rejoice Newton, Esq., who was 
subsequently joined by William Lincoln, the historian of Worcester. 

Then came the brick double house of E. & E. Flagg, on the 
spot devastated by the great fire of 1815 mentioned above. The 
north part was occupied by Mrs. Bradish and her three charming 
grand-daughters ; the south part by Mr. Elisha Flagg. Next south 
of the house was the bakery, famous on public days for soft crack- 
ers and sugar gingerbread. 

Just south of the bakery was the residence of Capt. Asa Ham- 
ilton, and across the yard was his store where he sold dry goods 
and dealt largely in lottery tickets. Lotteries in those days were 
carried on for the benefit of churches and all respectable charities. 
Next south was the dwelling of Nathaniel Coolidge, having his 
harness shop in the basement ; next this was a small building oc- 
cupied by Ods Corbett as a watchmaker's and jewelry store. Mr. 
Corbett was succeeded by William D. Fenno and Joseph Boyden. 
The next building south was the store of Earle <& Chase, where 
they carried on a large retail business. Mr. Earle was afterwards 
editor of the "Spy" for many years. Mr. Chase was county treas- 
urer till his death at eighty years of age. 

Next came the house of Nathaniel Maccarty standing well back 
from the street and approached by a flight of steps ; farther south, 
in the Maccarty grounds, was a small building occupied in part by 
one Mr. Burr, harness maker ; it was afterwards the office of Dr. 
Butler, a prominent physician. 

Next south was the elegant brick mansion built by Governor 
Lincoln, on the site where stood the "King's Arms," a notorious 



1 1 1 

tavern in ante-revolutionary times, distinguished as the rendezvous 
of the royalists. Governor Lincoln lived here till he built the 
family mansion on Elm street about 1835. 

Near the southern boundary of Governor Lincoln's estate stood 
a small office belonging to Hon. Joseph Allen, and south of that 
was his house with its portico on the street. Then came the house 
of Mr. John Miller. At the southern corner of his grounds was a 
wooden store occupied by Col. Samuel Ward, which was shortly 
after removed to give place to the, for those times, elegant brick 
store of Heywood, Paine & Paine. Across the driveway from this 
was Judge Paine 's mansion, and near it, on the south, was his office 
abutting on Pleasant street. 

Across Pleasant street, in a corner of the yard, stood one of those 
large elm trees which are the glory of some of our old New Eng- 
land towns, and which once made of Main Street a perfect arcade 
of verdure. The one above mentioned was the monarch of its 
race ; its spreading branches overshadowed the whole breadth of 
the street in front, while it shaded the whole yard and the house 
as well, in its rear. This house was known as the " Nazro House," 
but was said to have been built by Rev. Isaac Burr, and occupied 
by him from 1725 to 1740. Near it, directly on the street, was a 
large, one-story building, known for a long time as the Nazro store ; 
both house and store were at this time (1822) occupied by Mr. 
John Foxcroft. 

Proceeding southerly across a meadow, always musical with the 
songs of bobolinks and other birds in their season, we come to the 
elegant mansion built by Gardner Chandler. On his departure 
for England in 1775 ^^ ^^''^s sold to John Bush and his sons, who 
added one story to its height, and sold it in 181 8 to Deacon Ben- 
jamin Batman, who occupied it in 1822 and continued there till 
he took possession of his new house built just south of it, which 
has recently given place to the spacious new business block built 
by Mr. Jonas G. Clark. 

Next, after a considerable distance, came the house of the late 
Dr. Austin, pastor of the Old South Church, then occupied by Mr. 
John W. Hubbard, his adopted son, a man of brilliant qualities, 



I 12 

whose early death was a public loss. The house was last occupied 
by the late Samuel H. Colton. 

Then came the house of Alpheus Eaton, brother of William and 
Nathaniel Eaton above mentioned ; this house stood on a knoll 
just south of what is now Austin street, and at the foot of it was a 
small, unfailing stream of water, much used as a watering place by 
teams going to or from the village. 

Beyond this stream stretched the estate of Col. Samuel Ward all 
the way to the Patch road, now known as May street. This estate 
covered nearly all the land between May street and Pleasant street 
in the rear of the properties heretofore described as lying on the 
west side of Main street and south of Pleasant street ; it contained 
three hundred and fifty acres, and was part of the dower decreed 
to Mrs. John Chandler when the rest of Judge Chandler's estate 
was confiscated. On the death of the widow, this, with other 
parcels of land, became the property in common of Charles and 
Samuel Chandler, sons of the judge. After the death of Charles, 
who left by will his interests to his daughter Sarah, the real estate 
was divided by order of Court, and this portion was set off to this 
daughter, who subsequently became Mrs. Ward. 

The original farm house on this estate was long ago moved to 
the corner of May street, where it still remains; in 1822 it was 
there occupied by William Stowell, machinist. Its place was sup- 
plied by a plain commodious house, which in 1822 was the resi- 
dence of Col. Ward, and afterwards of Abiel Jaques, Esq., and 
then of his sons, John and George, to the latter of whom the city 
is indebted for the existence of the Jaques Hospital and its liberal 
endowment. 

Proceeding southerly from May street the next building was the 
large farm house of Mr. Henry Heywood, who occupied it till his 
death in 1854; the house is standing there yet. Going to the 
crest of the hill, and descending it a short distance, we find a 
comfortable cottage some time occupied by Ebenezer Whitney, 
who at this date had removed to Lincoln street. This cottage 
was at one time occupied by the late Timothy S. Stone. It is 
still standing;. 



113 

Continuing down tlie hill we come to the house and extensive 
farm buildings of Mr. Uriah Stone, a prosperous land-holder and 
farmer ; he had owned, and I believe occupied, the tavern stand- 
ing some rods south of his farm house ; this hotel was built by 
Charles Stearns in 1812. 

A small building south of the tavern was kept as a store by Capt. 
Daniel Stone. There was, perhaps, a small machine shop and 
water power farther on towards Leicester, where now are the ex- 
tensive works of Messrs. Coes Brothers. 

Across this road to the east, and facing the square, stood the 
village school house, between the Leicester road and the Oxford 
road, which intersected at this point. Crossing to the east side 
we come to the store of Mr. H. G. Henshaw, who, for some years, 
was clerk to Mr. Salisbury. On the latter's relinquishing business 
Mr. Henshaw removed to New Worcester. He was made cashier 
of Leicester Bank on the opening of that institution. 

Returning northerly towards the village we find no houses on the 
east side of Main street south of the crest of the hill. Going still 
north we come to the Deacon Richards place ; this was a substan- 
tial house painted green, standing back some rods from the street, 
which ran some distance west of its present course, leaving a fine 
avenue of trees between it and the house. This place was about 
this time occupied by Deacon Simon S. Gates, nephew and heir 
of Deacon Richards, who, as will be seen, had moved into the 
village. This house still stands on its original site. 

About half a mile north of the Richards place was a brown cot- 
tage on the Wiswell place, occupied by Clark Elder ; this place 
was bought by Mr. Ebenezer Collier, who removed the cottage 
and built on its site the "Ripley Place," still standing a litde north- 
east of the mansion of Mr. Joseph H. Walker. 

Nearly half a mile further north we come to the estate of Capt. 
Ephraim Mower, whose house is still standing on its beautiful site 
and is now occupied by his daughter. Just south of the house an 
acre of land had been sold to three elderly ladies by the name of 
Ranks, who, about this time or before, built themselves a cottage 

15 



114 

thereon ; it was afterwards sold to Capt. Mower, and both cottage 
and occupants have disappeared. 

North of Capt. Mower's house, at some distance, was the house 
of Deacon Richards, then occupied by him, and afterwards, for 
some years, by Mr. Samuel Jennison, the gentle and genial cashier 
of the Worcester Bank. Then came the house of Mrs. Greenleaf 
and Mrs. Mower ; and next was the house of Col. Clapp, whose 
grounds sloped down to South street, now known as Park street. 
After the decease of Col. Clapp this place was occupied by Charles 
Allen till he removed to the house on Elm street, on the site of 
which his family have since built a handsome residence. 

Crossing Park street we come to the Common, overshadowed 
by its magnificent elms ; and to the "Old South Church," on the 
gable of which we are told that it was built in 1763. This church 
in 1822 was in its primitive condition, and one of the handsomest 
buildings in Worcester ; its principal entrance was at the west side 
facing Main street. This consisted of a handsome porch pro- 
jecting towards the street, the cornice of which was elaborately 
ornamented, the pediment terminating in a beautifully carved 
scroll. On the steps of this porch the Declaration of Independ- 
ence was read by Isaiah Thomas in 1776. At the south end of 
the church was a porch of similar but less elaborate construction ; 
and at the north end was a tower surmounted by the steeple. On 
the east side was a large oval window overlooking the pulpit. Be- 
low the pulpit were the table for the communion service, and seats 
for the old men and deaf. Still lower were the deacons' seats. 
Over the whole was a dome-like structure called the sounding 
board, which, like the sword of Damocles, continually threatened 
destruction to those beneath. The body of the church was oc- 
cupied by square pews ; the seats were hung on hinges and were 
raised during prayers for the convenience of the occupants, who 
always stood during prayer time. At the close of the prayer and 
with the final amen, down went all the seats, thus giving the min- 
ister a salute that would do credit to a regiment of infantry at a 
militia muster. To those who remember the old church in its 
primitive simplicity and dignity it has always been a matter of 



115 

regret that the vandal hands of modern improvement have ever laid 
hold of it. 

On the site of the present City Hall was a two-story building, 
the lower part of which was occupied as a store by William Har- 
rington. The upper part was for a long time the office of the 
National yEgis. The store was also occupied by Reuben Munroe 
before and after its removal to the north side of Front street. 

Between this store, after its removal, and Main street, extending 
some distance northerly from the present Harrington Corner, was 
a one-story building called "The Compound." Mr. Samuel Allen 
occupied the corner, fronting on both Main and Front streets, for 
the sale of leather and various commodities. Going north were 
several smaller rooms occupied at various times by Emory Wash- 
burn, John Weiss, William Towne, Thompson Kimberly, Francis 
T. Merrick, Christopher C. Baldwin and others as offices and 
stores. 

Across the driveway, near the corner of Mechanic street, stood 
the "Worcester Hotel" built by William Hovey in 1818, and kept 
in 1822 by Howe cS; White. The site of this hotel was first owned 
by Capt. Moses Rice, who came here from Sudbury and built a 
tavern on this spot in 1719. After having been kept as a tavern 
till 1742 it became the residence of the last Judge Chandler, who 
lived there till he left the country in 1775. At the confiscation of 
his property, this estate, called the "Homestead," was set off to 
his wife as part of her dower ; it was bounded on three sides by 
Main, Mechanic and Front streets, and on the southeast by min- 
isterial land. It comprised a large house, two barns, store build- 
ing, etc. 

Mrs. Chandler lived here till her decease about 1785-7, when 
the house again became a tavern under Major Ephraim Mower 
and his nephew, Capt. Ephraim Mower, and was called the "Sun 
Tavern." It was kept by the Mowers, uncle and nephew, till 1818, 
when it was bought by William Hovey, who built thereon a brick 
hotel which was known as the "United States Hotel," or more 
familiarly as "The States." This was kept in 1820-22 by Howe & 
White, as mentioned above, and thereafter, having had various 



ii6 

fortunes, it fell into the hands of Worthington & Clark, who kept 
it till 1836, when Mr. Worthington sold his interest in the real 
estate to Mr. George T. Rice, who in 1841 sold it to Mr. William 
C. Clark, who afterwards bought the interest of Major Burt and 
others, and. thus became sole proprietor. It was continued as a 
hotel till 1854 when Mr. Clark built a block of stores and offices. 
This remained for thirty years, when it was bought by Mr. Joseph 
H. Walker, who enlarged and remodeled it, and made it one of 
the finest business blocks in Worcester, 

Across Mechanic street stood the house of Mrs. Denny, in the 
south part of which one of her daughters, Miss Elizabeth Denny, 
kept a store for the sale of the finer class of dry goods, ladies' fine 
shoes, etc. 

Next north of this, John W. Stiles and Benjamin Butman built 
a commodious store where they carried on a large business in all 
kinds of merchandise, including lumber, groceries and dry goods, 
under the firm name of Stiles & Butman. Next north was a small 
store, occupied some time after this date by Deacon John Coe as 
an apothecary's store. Next came the residence of John W. Stiles ; 
this, as well as the store last above mentioned, had been owned and 
occupied by Capt. John Stanton, Jr. After his death it was owned 
and kept as a tavern by Thomas Stevens, and was long known as 
"Stevens's Tavern." Mr. Stevens had erected, annexed to the 
house on the north, a hall for public meetings, etc. After it be- 
came the property of Mr. Stiles this hall was used for a young 
ladies' school by Miss Mary Robinson, daughter of Dr. Jeremiah 
Robinson. 

The next house north of Mr. Stiles's was the large white house, 
now and for many years known as the "Burnside Estate," then 
owned and occupied by Mr. Enoch Flagg. To this, also, was 
annexed a hall, used by the Masonic fraternity, whose painted walls 
were covered with their insignia. This hall still stands there, and 
some of these original Masonic emblems remain. 

Quite near this was a small store annexed to the three-story 
wooden house occupied by Deacon Wilson for some years, the 
larger building for his residence, the store with the counters and 



117 

fixtures then in place, used as the post office. Here in one cor- 
ner, inclosed by a wooden partition through which was cut a de- 
livery window, the good Deacon sorted the mails, while the boys 
waited in mischievous glee outside, lounging on the counters, and 
occasionally popping up a small face to the window to ask for 
letters when none were expected, and to receive the invariable, 
patient reply : "Not any at present." 

Deacon Wilson wore till his death the long gray stockings, knee 
buckles, small clothes and capacious coat so fashionable among 
gentlemen in the beginning of the century ; and he was one of the 
last to appear in our streets in this costume. Dr. Bancroft, Isaiah 
Thomas, and Samuel Brazer were also similarly attired. 

At some distance north was a large brick house built by Mr. 
Waldo as early as 1 806 ; it was occupied as a residence by him- 
self and his sisters, except the south part of the lower story which 
was used for the business of the Worcester Bank. This bank was 
established in March, 1804, and its first president was Daniel 
Waldo, who, the October following, relinquished the office to 
Daniel Waldo, Jr., who retained it till his decease in 1845. He 
was succeeded by Mr. Stephen Salisbury (the second of the name), 
who was president till his decease in 1884, when he was succeeded 
by his son Stephen. Two presidents held the office eighty years. 
As will be seen, only two names have ever been signed to the bills 
as president. 

Going north, across a large stable yard and driveway, you arrive 
at the "Hathaway Tavern." This was originally known as the 
"Heywood Tavern"; it was opened about the year 1722, and 
continued to be kept as an inn for about ninety years. It was 
then enlarged by Mr. Reuben Wheeler, by the addition of a hall 
on the north side, thirty by sixty feet, the first story being used as 
a dining hall, and the second and third stories were thrown into 
one, making the largest and most elegant hall in town. There 
were held the meetings of the nascent Agricultural Society, the 
4th of July dinners and other festivals, not forgetting the annual ■ 
Cattle Show Ball, which was the social event of the year, and called 
together the fashion, grace and beauty of the county. 



ii8 

Mr. Wheeler was succeeded by Samuel Hathaway in 1816, who 
made of it a very popular tavern, and was known all the country 
round as the "Prince of Landlords." In 1824 Mr. Hathaway 
sold the property to Cyrus Stockwell, who again enlarged the 
house by raising the main building one story. Mr. Stockwell also 
built a brick store on the south side of the yard which is still 
standing. Between this store and the hotel, Exchange street, at 
first called Market street, was opened some years later. 

Mr. Stockwell sold the property in 1833 to Gen. Heard and 
Hon. Isaac Davis, who continued it as a hotel under the manage- 
ment of various tenants, among whom were Z. & D. Bonney, 
Cyrus Stockwell, Samuel Bannister, Clifford & Swan, E. T. Balcom 
and others, till it was purchased by the "Bay State Company," 
moved from the spot, and the " Bay State House " built on its site. 
This continues to be the popular hotel, the place having been 
occupied for that business for a period of one hundred and sixty- 
three years without interruption. 

Next to the tavern were the dwelling house and carriage shop 
of Mr. Stephen Goddard, afterwards removed to give place to 
Waldo Block. 

Next to this was a new brick house built and occupied by Dr. 
Benjamin F. Heywood, who was a descendant of the Heywood 
family so long occupants of the tavern that stood on the site of 
the "Bay State" above mentioned. His father was Hon. Benja- 
min Heywood, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, besides 
holding other important offices. The Judge was nephew of the 
first Daniel Heywood. 

A little further north stood the residence of the late Hon. 
Francis Blake, then occupied by his widow and her numerous 
family. Mr. Blake had bought, in 1815-16, of Charles and Sam- 
uel Chandler, an estate of thirty-one acres, with the buildings there- 
on, comprising the beautiful site now occupied by Mrs. Edward 
Earle. At the time of his decease he had built and nearly finished 
here a modest but very elegant mansion ; it has since been en- 
larged and improved till its original proportions are no longer to 
be recognized. On the death of Mr. Blake it was sold to Mr. 
William Eaton, who lived there from 181S to 1S22, when he sold 



119 

it to Gen. Nathan Heard and moved back to the Baldwin house, 
heretofore noticed. 

Next came the office of Hon. John Davis, who soon afterwards 
occupied an office a little north, with Governor Lincoln, Col. Isaac 
Davis taking the small office. 

Next was a small building owned by Capt. Peter Slater, whose 
ropewalk was in the rear and extended to the brook. Peter Slater 
was at this time building his brick house (an unusual occurrence 
in those days) . Capt. Slater was an ardent and active patriot during 
Revolutionary times, and made one of that band of rebels, who, 
disguised as Indians, made a tea-pot of Boston harbor. 

North of Capt. Slater's house was a brick block, in the south 
end of which Governor Lincoln and his associates had their offices, 
while the rest of the building was the store of John W. Lincoln 
till he retired from business in 1822, when James Green & Co. 
established there a large drug and apothecaries' store, which is 
still occupied for that business by a member of the family. 

Next north was the parsonage of Rev. Dr. Bancroft, father of 
George Bancroft, the historian, and ancestor of others who are 
becoming distinguished. Annexed to. the house on the north was 
a one-story building where Dr. Bancroft's daughter kept a store 
for some years before her marriage to Hon. John Davis. It was 
afterwards used as a school room by her sisters. 

Between the parsonage and Thomas street was a building, still 
standing, having brick ends and a wooden front. In the south 
part of it about this time lived Judge Pliny Merrick, while the 
north part was used as the publishing and printing office of the 
"Massachusetts Spy," then under the management of William 
Manning and George A. Trumbull. 

Across Thomas street, on the corner of Main, Mr. Elnathan 
Pratt had built, and for some years had occupied, a brick block, 
the south part being used for his apothecary store, and the rest 
for his residence ; he vacated this about 1822, and Earle & Chase 
removed their store and business there. 

In 1826 Capt. Joseph Lovell opened this house as a hotel, and 
it was kept as such by him and his successors till 1S66, when it 



I20 

came into the possession of its present occupants. Next north of 
this house stood a brick store built and occupied by Arthur Ad- 
lington in the tin business. This was shortly afterwards bought 
by Daniel Upham and extended north so that it accommodated 
Asa Walker, tailor, the Spy office, Mr. Manning's store, and Mr. 
Upham. 

Next came the jewelry store of Luther Goddard & Sons, which 
building was afterwards extended north to land of the Paine estate, 
making then one of the most extensive business blocks in town. 
It had among its earlier occupants Scott & Smith (Mr. Scott was 
the donor of tablets inscribed with the Decalogue to the Second 
Parish, and was long a prominent citizen), March & Hobart (dry 
goods). Dorr & Rowland (booksellers), J. P. Kettell & Co. (hat- 
ters), P. & D. Goddard & Co., J. Harrington and others. 

Elder Luther Goddard was a zealous Baptist when that sect of 
Christians first appeared in this vicinity and in some parts of Con- 
necticut, and claimed to have suffered much persecution for opin- 
ion's sake. He had been an evangelist before coming to Wor- 
cester, and not long afterwards relinquished his business to his 
sons, and devoted the remainder of his days to missionary work. 

North of this, on the property of Mr. F. W. Paine, was a house 
occupied by Mrs. Rose and her family, next to which, standing 
on the corner of Main and School streets, was the confectionery 
shop and store of that vivacious Frenchman, A. Gaspard Vottier, 
who, if not witty himself, was "the cause of much wit in others." 

Directly at the head of School street, where it unites with Main, 
stood one of those large sycamore trees which contributed so much 
to the beauty of our streets. From it projected a sign with this 
legend : "Wool Carding and Lead Aqueduct Manufactory," with 
a hand pointing down the street, following which direction the 
inquirer would find that the business in both branches was carried 
on by Washburn & Goddard, in a shop on or near the site of the 
first factory for the making of textile goods ever built here. " In 
I 789 an association was formed for the purpose of spinning and 
weaving cotton." On April 30th of that year it is announced in 
the Spy, that " on Tuesday last the first piece of corduroy made 



121 

at the manufactory in this town was taken from the loom. Good 
judges speak highly of it as superior to English. A large quantity 
of fustian, jean and corduroy are for sale now, lasting longer and 
retaining their color and beauty better than the foreign." This 
establishment must have been in operation till after 1 790, as in 
that year Mr. Samuel Brazer advertises the above goods with the 
additions of "Federal rib and cotton." 

The manufacturing business was abandoned before 1800, and 
the building was removed to Main street, between School and Old 
Market streets, where it was long known as the "Green Store." 
Its first occupant was probably Joseph Allen, a brother of the late 
Judge Charles Allen, and of the Rev. George Allen, so fondly re- 
membered and revered by this Society. In 1822 it was occupied 
by Heard & Manning. Mr. Manning shortly afterwards was suc- 
ceeded by Col. James Estabrook, who left it for a place in the 
U. S. Custom House. 

I should have mentioned that on the northern corner of School 
street was a large house, which about the beginning of the century 
was sold by Joseph Allen, Esq., to David Curtis, but whether this 
house, or the "Curtis House" on Lincoln street, was the birthplace 
of the family of the latter, I have not been able to ascertain. 

North of the Green store, abutting on Old Market street, stands, 
somewhat enlarged from its original dimensions, the house of 
Samuel Porter, Esq., so long known as active in the city govern- 
ment. Here lived his mother and some other members of the 
family. 

Standing back, near where now are the stables of the street 
railway company, was a small green house, occupied by Mr. Earle, 
machinist and ingenious worker in wood. 

On the north side of what is now Market street stood, and still 
stands, what was known as Sikes's Coffee House. This had been 
built and occupied as a tavern as early as 1789 ; in 1807 it came 
into the possession of Col. Sikes. In company with Levi Pease 
of Shrewsbury he was owner of different stage lines which plied 
between Boston and New York, passing through this place ; and 
this hotel became their general rendezvous and the leading hotel 
of the town. It had had among its guests Gen. Washington and 
16 



122 

Gen. LaFayette. Col. Sikes sold this property to Capt. Samuel 
B. Thomas in 1826, and it was then known as "Thomas's Coffee 
House," but was for many years after known as the "Exchange 
Hotel." There was a one-story annex at the north end of the 
house, where Henry M. Sikes kept a store. About this time a 
handsome hall was built over it, which was a favorite place for 
dancing parties, and it seems to have had an atmosphere especially 
favorable to flirtation. I have no doubt that those brilliantly 
decorated walls looked down upon the beginning of many a "match" 
which the participants thought was being "made in heaven." 

Here Emory Perry held his much frequented singing school, 
where he united with the famous bass singers of his choir, Edward 
Curtis and Joel Wilder, in those tremendous tours deforce, which, 
aided by Jason Collier's great bass viol, caused the very walls to 
tremble. 

Next north came the house of Theophilus Wheeler, Esq., which, 
with the next one north, was built by Rev. Joseph Wheeler, who 
was Registrar of Probate from 1776 to 1793. His son Theophilus 
succeeded him in that office, and held it forty-three years to 1836, 
residing here till his death. The next house was occupied by 
Samuel Jennison, Esq., the north part of it being the store of Mr. 
Charles Wheeler, to whom his brother Henry succeeded, after- 
wards forming a partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. Thaxter, 
under the firm name of Wheeler & Thaxter. 

The next house north was that of Mrs. Thomas, widow of Isaiah 
Thomas, Jr., who had come from Boston with her family to reside 
here. Annexed to the north end of this house was the office of 
Hon. Edward D. Bangs, and just north of the office was his house 
occupied by his family. In the rear of the house, with Mill Brook 
running through the center, was a lovely garden, which was the 
delight of all who had access to it. 

A lane or passage way, dividing this estate from that of Dr. 
Abraham Lincoln, led to a machine shop at the foot of a small 
pond which furnished whatever power was required at the shop. 
This shop, afterwards known as "Court Mills," was occupied 
successively by Henry Howard, William Hovey, Clarendon 



123 

Wheelock, and other ingenious mechanics ; and latterly by 
Ruggles, Nourse & Mason. 

Dr. Lincoln's place covered a considerable space between Main 
street and the pond, and extended nearly to Lincoln square. 
Here the Doctor kept a variety of rare fowls, the care of which 
seemed to be his chief amusement. It will be remembered that 
Dr. Lincoln died suddenly just as he was about to assume the 
duties of High Sheriff of the County. 

On the corner of Lincoln square and Main street was one of 
Mr. Salisbury's small warehouses, and, I think, the last receptacle 
of his treasured merchandise. 

Proceeding eastward from the corner last mentioned we come 
to the hatter's shop of Mr. John P. Kettell, who carried on the 
business in town for about sixty years, and was respected and hon- 
ored by all who knew him. This shop stood over the pond which 
abutted on the west side of the jail yard. The yard was inclosed 
by a very high board fence surmounted by iron spikes, concealing 
the windows of the two lower stories of the jail, which stood di- 
rectly east of the pond. The jail was guarded on the east side by 
a similar fence. Next east of the jail, on the corner of Summer 
street, stood the jail tavern ; this had been owned and occupied 
by Gen. Heard and his father until 1822, when he sold it to Har- 
mon Chamberlin, who occupied it two years and sold it to Asahel 
Bellows. 

Across Summer street was Antitjuarian Hall, built and presented 
to the American Antiquarian Society by Dr. Isaiah Thomas, its 
founder and first president. 

The southerly outlet from Lincoln square to the east was the 
Boston and Worcester turnpike, with its western terminus nearly 
opposite the end of Summer street. This was indicated by a large 
arch spanning the road, on the west face of which was this legend : 
"372 miles to Boston line." The eastern end of the road had a 
similar arch whose inscription I do not remember. Over the cen- 
ter of the one at Lincoln s(}uare was placed a large bird, the origin 
and purpose of which no one knew. 

Between the turnpike and Lincoln street was the " Lincoln 
Square Hotel." This was a large house of more than ordinary 



124 

pretensions ; it is claimed that it was built and occupied by one 
of the Chandlers before the Revolution ; however this may be, Mr. 
Daniel Waldo took up his residence there on his coming from 
Lancaster with his family to live here in 1782. It was afterwards 
occupied by Gov. Levi Lincoln, Jr., while building his brick man- 
sion on Main street. In 18 14 Capt. Peter Slater kept a hotel there 
till 1 81 8 when he was succeeded by Benjamin Howard, who was 
largely interested in the stages running west and south. In 1823 
Mr. Lloward was succeeded by Capt. Joseph Lovell, who in 1826 
gave place to Harmon Chamberlin, and he was succeeded by 
Nathan Powers. It was afterwards kept for many years by Nathaniel 
Stearns, and came to be known as Stearns's Hotel. 

On the eastern corner of Lincoln street stood the hotel stables, 
and a short distance north of them lived Mr. Ebenezer Whitney, 
who came there from the very old house on New Worcester hill. 

Next north was a hip-roofed house standing beneath three magni- 
ficent elms ; this was occupied in 1822 by Mr. Geer, who had been 
a contractor in building the turnpike above mentioned. It is 
claimed that this was the homestead of David Curtis, and that his 
children were born there, but this point is not settled ; at any rate 
the widow of Mr. Curtis, who had married Mr. Bigelow, after he 
sold the Bigelow farm, came there with her husband to live in 1824. 

Mr. Blake, a carpenter, and Mr. Stratton, shoemaker, occupied 
a small white house at the foot of Paine's hill. Then, going up 
the hill, we came to Mrs. Knower's small cottage, directly oppo- 
site "The Oaks," and nestled snugly under the woods of Paine's 
hill. 

This brings us back to our starting point. 

Note. Between the long wooden building in which were the stores of 
George A. Trumbull, bookseller, and T. & W. Keith, jewelers, and the "Dix 
House," on Court Hill, was in 1822 a small wooden tower containing the 
town scales. In the top of this was hung a large wooden beam, from the 
outer end of which were suspended four chains for fastening around each 
wheel of a wagon. The weights were adjusted to the other end of the beam. 

There were three parallel roads at this point, the middle one being lower 
than the one over Court Hill, and higher than Main street, forming terraces 
above the principal road, which was, of course, much narrower than at present. 



125 



The annual meeting was held Tuesday evening, 
December ist. 

Present : Messrs. Crane, T. A. Dickinson, Staples, 
Rice, Taft, Adams, Prentiss, Seagrave, Stedman, 
Hubbard, Maynard, J. I. Souther, H. M. Smith, 
Gould, Meriam, Estey, Barrows, Pierce, Lyford, 
Jackson, Knight, Edwards, Bartlett, Tucker, C. R. 
Johnson, Haskins, Sumner and Abbot, members; 
J. Brainerd Hall and H. R. Cummings, reporters. — 



o 



o. 



William H. Sawyer, John C. Otis, Albert F. Sim- 
mons and Daniel W. Abercrombie of Worcester ; 
Rev. John Gregson of Wilkinsonville, and John C. 
Crane of Millbury, were admitted as active members. 

The Librarian reported 7 volumes, 157 pamphlets 
and 3 articles for the museum as the additions for 
the month. 

The Treasurer and Librarian then presented their 
annual reports for 1885, which were accepted and 
placed on file. 



126 



TREASURER'S REPORT. 

To the Officers and Meinbers of 

The Worcester Society of Antiquity : 

Gentlemen : — In accordance with the requirements of the By- 
Laws of this Society, I herewith present this Annual Report, show- 
ing the receipts and expenditures of the Society, from Dec. 9, 
1884, to Dec. I, 1 88s, as follows : 



CASH RECEIVED 




CASH PAID. 




1885. 


Dr. 


1885. 


Cr. 


Assessments, 


fo53 25 


Rent, 


$175 00 


Admissions, 


40 00 


Fuel, 


2 00 


Donations, 


3900 


Gas, 


II 60 


Sale of Proceedings, 


3550 


Water, 


2 00 


Sale of Keys, etc. 


I 31 


Printing Proceedings, 


125 00 


Balance from 1884, 


469 06 
10 40 


Postage, 
Insurance, 
Printing Notices, 


647 

9 00 

2307 






Binding, 


3 00 






Express and Cartage, 


2 20 






Collecting, 


800 






Supplies for Librarian, 


2731 






Three Card Machines, 


5 00 






Maps and frame. 


5 75 






Carriages at Bi-Centennial, 


10 00 






Excursion balance. 


8 10 






Signs at door, 


300 






Use of Old South Church, 


10 00 






Athol Transcript, 


6 00 




44250 






Balance on hand. 


3696 



$479 46 



$479 46 



There are accounts due the Treasurer to the amount of $170. 
Respectfully submitted, 

H. F. STEDMAN, Treasurer. 



127 



LIBRARIAN'S REPORT. 

The whole number of gifts to the Library and Museum received 
during the year 1885 is 3233. Number of contributors, 132. 
These additions comprise 659 bound vohmies, 1167 pamphlets, 
631 almanacs, 700 papers (including original manuscripts), 20 
pictures, 24 maps, and 32 articles for the museum. 

The largest and most important accession is a collection of rare 
books, almanacs, pamphlets, paper money, etc., given to the Society 
by Mrs. Charlotte Downes as a memorial of her husband, the 
late John Downes, Esq., of Washington. The collection comprises 
479 volumes, 58 pamphlets, 631 almanacs, with broadsides, papers, 
manuscripts, etc., gathered by Mr. Downes during the course of 
his long life. Among the books are many scarce and valuable 
historical, mathematical and scientific works, while the large col- 
lection of almanacs is especially noteworthy, including sets of the 
principal American issues, as well as fine specimens of English 
almanacs of the seventeenth and early part of the eighteenth cen- 
turies. There are also copies of many of the juvenile and other 
jjublications of Isaiah Thomas ; and twelve different issues of the 
New England Primer, the oldest being an original of 1779. 

The entire collection has, through the generosity of our Presi- 
dent, Mr. Crane, been placed in two substantial cases, and is to 
be known henceforth as the " Downes Collection." A card cat- 
alogue has been made, but it is expected that this will be super- 
seded in the near future by a printed one. The gift of this col- 
lection is one of many gratifying assurances that the work of our 
Society is known and appreciated abroad. 

Some work has been done in the George Allen Library during 
the past year towards the preparation for a printed catalogue of 
that remarkable collection, which it is hoped will be undertaken 
as soon as the powers of the Society admit. This should contain 
all of Mr. Allen's marginal and other notes made in the books, as 
they furnish a wealth of curious information. The advantages of 
a printed catalogue of such a collection I need not set forth. 



128 

We have received 32 additions to our Museum, some of them 
objects of interest and value. I desire particularly to mention 
two card teeth machines made by one of the best mechanics of 
his day, Charles Elliott of Leicester, about 18 16. These ma- 
chines are made in the most thorough manner, and were capable 
of running at great speed, producing as many as 30,000 perfect 
card teeth per hour, the inserting of which into leather for cotton 
and wool cards formed the chief industry of the families of Lei- 
cester and adjoining towns at that time. Our collection of card 
teeth machines is now wellnigh complete, and is the nucleus of 
what will make our Museum of great practical use to the mechanics 
of Worcester County. 

Our relic department is increasing rapidly, and will soon over- 
reach our capacity for arrangement. A printed catalogue of the 
articles in the Museum would add to their value and interest. 

I need not mention here individual donors to the Library and 
Museum by name, as a complete list accompanies this report. 

Two publications (Nos. 21 and 22) have been issued since my 
last report —Proceedings of the Society for 1884, and Proceedings 
at the Tenth Anniversary, Jan. 27, 1885. These have been dis- 
tributed to members, and other societies and libraries. 

The Rooms have been open to the public Tuesday afternoon of 
each week. I would now recommend that they be open Saturday 
afternoons also, and hope soon to see them open daily in charge of 
an el^cient attendant. 

It is very evident that The Worcester Society of Antiquity is, 
and is to be, one of the public institutions of Worcester. The chief 
thing to be accomplished is to make this mass of material we are 
accumulating (wholly by donation) valuable and useful to the 
people who pay our tax. In receiving these gifts we are in duty 
bound to make return in every way to the public. 

This Society is very generous to its members. Few institutions 
offer so much for so small a yearly assessment. It is also gener- 
ous in its dealings with other bodies of like character, for it has 
always been our policy to give a liberal distribution to our pub- 
lications, whether we received an equivalent or not. Our exchange 



129 

list has been added to during the past year, and I would suggest 
that it be further enlarged by designating at least one depository 
for our publications in every state and territory in the Union. 

Many who visit our Rooms are surprised that so much has been 
accomplished in so short a time. All honor to the men who were 
the pioneers in this enterprise, and who have labored unceasingly 
to bring this Society to its present state of prosperity. 

THOMAS A. DICKINSON, Librarian. 



GIFTS TO THE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM. 

Abbot, W. F., 21 papers, 15 pamphlets 

Adams, Hon. Charles. Jr., North Brookfield. Gun from the slave ship 
Amistad; church records. 

Adams, David, Mendon. 1 1 pamphlets, some rare. 

Adams, Dr. George -S., Piece of the Mormon Temple, Salt Lake City. 

Adams, Mrs. G. S., Specimen brick, Philadelphia Bi-Centennial. 

American Antiquarian Society. Proceedings as issued; Lechford's Note 
Book. 

Anglim & Co., Washington, D. C. Monthly Bulletin for the year. 

Banister, Charles H. 69 papers, i pamphlet. 

Barber, Miss Ruth. Foot stove used in the Barber family; pair hand cards; 
hand reel. 

Bartleti", William H. 18 volumes, 138 pamphlets, 41 papers; old litho- 
graph; autographs of Peter Cooper and others. 

Barton, William S. Large framed photograph of the Chandler-Barton 
mansion; I pamphlet; Tax list for 1834. 

BiCKNELL, Hon. T. W., Hingham. i volume. 

BiGELOW, Mrs. Charles A. 43 magazines, 3 pamphlets, 105 papers. 

Blake, Francis E., Boston. 2 volumes. 

Boyden, John. 6 volumes Channing's works; Confederate bond. 

Buffalo Hlstorical Society. 2 pamphlets. 

Caldwell, Rev. Augustine. 2 historical pamphlets relating to Ipswich. 

California, University of Register, Report and Library Bulletin. 

Canadian Institute. Proceedings. 

Chandler, Dr. George, i volume, 4 pamphlets. 

Chase, Charles A. His memoir of Henshaw Dana. 

Cheney, Mrs. A. B. Old letter. 

City Messenger, Boston. 2 Reports of Record Commissioners. 

17 



I30 

Clemence, Henry M. 210 pamphlets; tin kitchen and baker. 

Crane, E. B. Dutch Church Register, London, 1571-1874; framed picture 

of Isaiah Thomas paper mill; Indian stone axe; 7 pamphlets; cases for 

Downes Collection. 
Currier, A. N. 2 volumes, 114 pamphlets, 12 papers. 
Dana, Mrs. John A. Memorial of Henshaw Dana. 
Damon, Mrs. Harriet Wheeler. Washington funeral badge; invitation to 

ball in commemoration of peace, 1815; invitation to cotillion party, 1826; 

Constitution of Mass. Washington Benevolent Society; 2 papers. 
Davenport Academy of Natural Sciences, Davenport, Iowa. Proceedings. 
Davis, Alonzo. Fitchburg City Document. 

Devens, Gen. Charles. His Commemorative Addresses on Gen. Grant. 
Dickie, James H. German bottle corker. 
Dickinson, Thomas A. His Memorial of Francis G. Sanborn. 
Dodge, Benjamin J. Memoir of R. R. Dodge; Davis Family; Educational 

chart; Worcester Co. Naturalist; 10 pamphlets, 4 papers, 3 broadsides, i 

picture. 
Downes, Mrs. Charlotte, Washington. The Downes Collection. 
Essex Institute, Salem. Bulletin as issued. 

Estey, James L. Spy "Extra" framed, (Burns riot in Boston May 27, 1854.) 
GoDDARD, Lucius P. 1 3 volumes, 64 pamphlets, 4 papers. 
Gould, A. K. i paper. 
Green, Hon. Samuel A., M. D., Boston. His Groton Historical Series and 

other pamphlets. 
Hammond, T. W. i pamphlet. 
Harding, Alpheus, Barre. Ancient horse shoe. 
Harvard University, Library of. Bulletin as issued. 
Haskins, D. W. Photograph of Guiteau. 
Hewitt, G. F. California Pilgrimage of Boston Commandery of Knights 

Templars, 1883. 
HoDGMAN, Charles O. i photograph. 
Holden, Howard. 8 pamphlets. 
Howard, Joseph Jackson, LL. D., London. Miscellanea Genealogica et 

Heraldica for the year. 
Howe, W. B. i pamphlet. 

Howland, Henry J. 11 volumes, 33 pamphlets, 14 p.ipers. 
HuLiNG, Ray Greene, Fitchburg. 3 pamphlets. 
Iowa State Historical Society. Historical Record. 

JiLLSON, Hon. Clark. Granite Monthly for the year; 11 volumes, 8 pam- 
phlets, 18 papers; 4 Government Reports; 42 manuscripts; photograph, 

picture and map; nutmeg grater; ancient piece of needlework. 
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. Publications as issued. 
Kendall, S. M. i pamphlet, 2 papers; large photograph of H. W. Beecher; 

engraving of Isaac Davis. 



131 

Kinney, B. H. 140 pamphlets; files of newspapers. 

I.EE, Pardon A. Fine specimens of variegated quartz from New Mexico. 

Leicester Public Library, i volume, i pamphlet. 

Leonard, B. A., Southbridge. i volume, 23 pamphlets and 4 papers. 

LiBBiE, C. F. & Co. Sale catalogues. 

Lincoln, E. W. i pamphlet. 

Manitoba Historical and Scientific Society. 7 pamphlets. 

Marble, A. P. 8 pamphlets. 

May, Rev. Samuel, Leicester. 38 papers. 

McCausland, . Petrified buft'alo's horn. 

Meri.'VM, R. N. 24 volumes, 29 pamphlets, 2S7 papers; 2 pictures; ancient 
button-hole cutter. 

Merriman, Rev. Daniel, i pamphlet. 

Messinger, D. S. 10 pamphlets. 

Minnesota Historical Society, i volume, i pamphlet. 

Morgan, Charles A., Fitchburg. i volume, 2 papers. 

Morgan, G. Blacker, London, Eng. i pamphlet. 

Morrison, C. P., St Louis. 7 numbers of his musical compositions. 

Morse, C. C. & Son, Haverhill. 2 catalogues. 

NarRjVgansett Publishing Co., Rhode Island. Historical Register, 1885. 

NebI'LAsjov State Historical Society. Transactions, Vol. i. 

New England Historic, Genealogical Society. Register as issued; vol. 
4, Memorial Biographies; Proceedings at annual meeting. 

New Jersey Historical Society. 7 volumes Collections; Proceedings com- 
plete from the beginning. 

New York: American Museum of Natural History. Publications com- 
plete to date. 

New York State Library, i volume, 2 pamphlets. 

Newton, E. H. i paper. 

Niles, Dr. D. W. Colonial bill, 1775. 

O'Flynn, Richard. 4 volumes, 12 papers; package of old letters and deeds; 
sohd shot fired into the "Congress"; other relics. 

Paine, Nathaniel. 5 pamphlets, 30 papers. 

Peabody Museum, Cambridge. Publications complete. 

Peck, A. E. i pamphlet; framed photograph; i portrait and 5 engravings. 

Peirce, Hon. H. B., Secretary of the Commonwealth. 7 vols., i pamphlet. 

Pennsylvania, Historical Society of. Pennsylvania Magazine for the year. 

Perry, C. O., Chicago, i pamphlet. 

Philadelphia, Library Company of. Bulletin. 

Phillips, Rev. G. W. i pamphlet. 

Prince, Lucian. 3 papers. 

Providence Athen/Eum. i pamphlet. 

Providence Public Libi^I/Vry. 7th Annual Report. 

Putnam, Davis & Co. 2 volumes, 66 pamphlets, 247 papers. 



132 

Putnam, Samuel H. 4 volumes, 2 engravings. 

Reed, Hon. Charles G. His inaugural address as Mayor. 

Rhode Island Historical Society, i volume, i pamphlet. 

Rice, Franklin P. i pamphlet, i paper and 2 photographs. 

Rice, Hon. W. W., Member of Congress. 3 volumes. 

Roe, Alfred S. 8 volumes, 43 pamphlets, 52 papers; 68 lbs. of manuscript 
sermons; piece of gun carriage, P'ort Sumter. 

Salisbury, Stephen. 2 volumes; Memorial of Hon. Stephen Salisbury. 

SCRIBNER & Welford, New York. 2 catalogues. 

Seagrave, Daniel. 5 volumes, 4 pamphlets and i paper. 

Sheldon, Hon. George, Deertield. i engraving and 1 paper. 

Shumvvay, Henry L. Magazine of American History for the year; 3 vol- 
umes, 83 pamphlets, 10 papers; I photograph; door handle and lock from 
old Wheeler house. 

Simmons, Rev. C. E. 2 ancient chairs; patent rat trap; brass door handle. 

Smith, H. M. 5 volumes, 44 pamphlets. 

Smith, J. A. i volume, i pamphlet. 

Smithsonian Institution, Washington, i volume. 

Staples, Rev. C. A., Lexington. 4 pamphlets. 

Staples, S. E. 4 pamphlets; hymns composed by himself. 

Stevens, Henry & Son. London. 2 catalogues. 

Stone, Augustus, i paper. 

Stryker, Gen. W. S., Trenton, i volume Colonial Documents, New Jersey. 

Sumner, George, i volume, 31 pamphlets, 3 papers and 2 photographs. 

Surrey Arch^ological Society, England. Collections, Vol. ix., part i. 

Sypher & Co. 3 catalogues. 

Taft, Caleb S. Indian stone pestle. 

Thayer, Hon. Adin. i pamphlet. 

Thayer, Hon. Eli. i pamphlet. 

Thayer, Perry. 17 volumes. 

Tillinghast, C. B., Boston. Report of State Lil>rary. 

TowNE, E. H., City Clerk. Worcester City Documents, 1885. 

Tyler, Rev. Albert, Oxford, i pamphlet, 3 papers. 

Wesby, Herbert. 2 volumes, 32 pamphlets, 24 papers; old door latch. 

Western Reserve and Northern Ohio Historical Society. 7 pamphlets. 

Wilder, H. B. id pamphlets. 

Wilcox, Francis E., Philadelphia. Vermont cent, 1786. 

Wisconsin State Historical Society, i volume, 4 pamphlets. 

Woodman, Mrs. D. O. Door knocker of Henry Woodman, Springfield. 

Yale College Library. Biographical Sketches of Graduates of Yale Col- 
lege, 1701-1745; 2 pamphlets. 



133 

The Society then proceeded to ballot for the choice 
of officers for 1886, and the following were elected. 

President : Ellery B. Crane ; ist Vice-President : 
Albert Tolman ; 2d Vice-President : George Sum- 
ner ; Secretary : William F. x^bbot ; Treasurer : 
Henry F. Stedman ; Librarian : Thomas A. Dickin- 
son ; Member of Committee on Nominations to serve 
three years : Joseph Jackson. 

The annual assessment for 1886 was fixed at four 
dollars. 

The President appointed Hon. Clark Jillson, W. 
H. Bartlett and R. N. Meriam a committee to take 
into consideration the recommendation of the Libra- 
rian in regard to opening the Rooms an additional 
afternoon in each week, and to make report of 
the result at the adjournment of the meeting, with 
the expense necessary to carry out said recommen- 
dation. 

The meeting was then adjourned for two weeks. 



Tuesday evening, December 15th. The Society 
met according to adjournment. 

Present : Messrs. Staples, Dickinson, Edwards, 
C. Jillson, Meriam, Simmons, Maynard, Rice and 
Abbot. — 9. 



134 

The President being absent, Mr. Staples was 
chosen to preside. 

The Committee appointed to consider the ad- 
visabihty of having the Rooms open an additional 
afternoon weekly, reported through the chairman, 
Hon. Clark Jillson, recommending that the Rooms 
be kept open Saturday afternoons, and that seventy- 
five dollars be appropriated to cover the expense 
for the year. On motion the report was accepted 
and its recommendations were adopted. 

On motion of Mr. Dickinson, Messrs. Crane, 
Staples and Rice were re-elected to serve as the 
Committee on Publications for 1886. 

On motion the Chairmen of the Departments not 
reported were authorized to make their reports in 
print. 

The meeting was then adjourned. 

This completes the record of the work of The 
Worcester Society of Antiquity in the year 1885. 



DAVID OLIVER WOODMAN. 



BY THOMAS A. DICKINSON. 



David Oliver Woodman was a native of Springfield, Massachu- 
setts, born Marcii 20th, 1820. His father, Henry Woodman, who 
was born in Boston March 15th, i 785, was when very young bound 
an apprentice, and lost all trace of his ancestors, except that he 
knew that his mother's name before marriage was Betsey Oliver. 
Henry Woodman married Lucinda Ayers who was born in Brook- 
field, Massachusetts, March 26th, 1787. He settled in Springfield. 
By occupation he was a farmer and mechanic. His farming was 
chiefly confined to a vegetable garden. For the last fifteen years 
of his life he was town crier. 

Mr. Thomas Thomas, an old resident of Springfield, writes of 
Mr. Henry Woodman : " I knew him for thirty-five or forty years, 
and for fifteen years as city crier. He was a famous raiser of 
cabbage plants ; he raised them for sale, and it was said that they 
grew better than those raised by others. As bell-ringer and crier 
for auction sales the boys would sometimes follow him and make 
remarks that would rumple his temper, but he was generally jolly, 
jovial and full of fun, and is well remembered by the old residents 
of Springfield." He had a powerful voice of which some anecdotes 
are told. His death occurred in June, 1861. 

David Oliver Woodman was one of a family of nine children. 
His education was that furnished by the common district schools 
of Springfield, which at that time ranked among the best. At the 
age of fifteen he bought his time of his father for seventy-five 
dollars, and began to learn the trade of card-making at Willi- 
mansett, a village on the Connecticut river, between Holyoke 
and Springfield. He also worked at the old Shepard card factory 



136 

in Springfield previous to his coming to Worcester in 1845, when 
he entered the employ of T. K. Earle & Co., at their card factory- 
then located in Washington square. In 1849 ^^^ returned to 
Springfield and worked two years in the United States Armory. 
At this time the old flint-lock muskets were being altered to per- 
cussion locks, and the Government employed about all the good 
mechanics as well as many farmers and boys in the vicinity. Be- 
sides the guns stored in the arsenal here (numbering 93,876) 
nearly all the guns belonging to the United States were altered at 
Springfield, or the parts were made there and sent to the different 
arsenals to be attached to the arms. 

In 1 85 1 Mr. Woodman removed to Walpole, Massachusetts, 
and was employed by Everett Stetson, card maker, for eight years. 
While in Walpole Mr. Woodman was prominent in advocating the 
principles of the Free Soil Party with such associates as Hon. F, 
W. Bird, Rev. Edwin Thompson, Farmer Allen and others, who 
were then in the minority, but were foremost in the cause that was 
finally triumphant. 

Returning to Worcester he was again engaged with T. K. Earle 
& Co. until 1865, when he commenced the building of card-setting 
machines. This enterprise was started by a company in Spring- 
field, but after a short time the machines were withdrawn and sold 
to the Card Clothing Association. In 1867 Mr. Woodman started 
the card business in Uxbridge, forming a company known as the 
Uxbridge Card Company, and disposing of his interest to that 
organization. He then built more machines in Worcester, which 
he removed to Fitchburg, and opened another factory. This was 
operated for a year and a half, when it also fell into the possession 
of the Card Clothing Association. 

Not to be put down by monopoly, Mr. Woodman continued to 
build card machines, and was about starting the business for the 
fourth time when the Card Clothing Association bought out his 
entire stock, and placed him under bonds not to build or start any 
more machines for ten years. ' This was in July, 1876. 

Mr. Woodman contributed to the growth and prosperity of the 
card business by increasing the number of machines nearly one 



137 

hundred and fifty (less than twelve hundred were running in the 
United States) . His machines can be found in nearly every card 
factory in the country. Many of them were hastily constructed by 
job work, but generally the working parts were well made, and I 
think none of them have ever been condemned as unfit for use. 

The fact that the Card Clothing Association was obliged to buy 
him out several times, and finally to place him under bonds not 
to engage in the business, is pretty good evidence of his ability 
and enterprise. Mr. T. K. Earle said of him : "He was one of 
the quickest and most active of workmen, capable of turning off 
more work than any other man in my employ." 

Mr. Woodman was a man of determination and perseverance, 
energetic and driving in his business. He possessed a jovial dis- 
position, and was ready for fun at any time. He was liberal in 
his religious views. He was an active worker in the Free Soil 
party, and later in the Prohibition party ; and was thoroughly a 
temperance man in practice and principle, using neither tea nor 
coffee. He usually voted with the minority. 

He became a member of this Society Oct. 7th, 1884, and died 
Saturday, Sept. 26th, 1885. 

His death was sad and untimely. It was caused by falling a 
few feet from a ladder while engaged in gathering fruit from a 
small tree in front of his house. 



DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 



ARCHEOLOGY AND GENERAL HISTORY. 

The past year has been fruitful in rich rewards of archaeological 
research in various parts of the world, and it would be our province 
to make mention here of some of the more important of these 
discoveries were not all the space allotted this Department required 
to record the doings of one of our own members in a distant field 
of labor. 

In the report of last year reference was made to the appoint- 
ment of Edward H. Thompson as Consul to Yucatan, and the 
hope was then expressed that we should be able this year to give 
some account of his explorations in the Land of the Mayas. That 
hope has fortunately been realized, and in the annexed communi- 
cation we leave Mr. Thompson to describe his experiences and 
discoveries in his own words. 

CHARLES R. JOHNSON, Chairman. 



Consulate, Merida, Yucatan, 
yanuary 2gth, 1886. 
Mr. E. B. Crane, 

My Dear Sir : 

I promised you that when I 
found or accomplished anything of interest or worthy of note I 
would communicate it to the Society. The contents of the inclosed 



139 

sketch may, perhaps, be considered in that light, inasmuch as it 
is a member of the Society who has first made a systematic study 
of the ruined cities of Labmi and Lebatsche. 

I am very glad to hear, from time to time, of the continued 
prosperity of the Society. I trust that upon my return I can pre- 
sent the Society with various souvenirs of this interesting region. 

EDWARD H. THOMPSON. 

THE RUINED CITY OF LABNA. 

By traveling night and day, with fresh relays to take the place 
of jaded animals, I was able to reach, early in the week, the large 
sugar plantation of Tabi, where, thanks to the kindness of Seiiors 
Miguel and Carlos Peon, as well as that of their able superintend- 
ent, Don Antonio Fajardo, I found saddle horses, pack mules and 
men in readiness and awaiting my coming. 

This large sugar plantation, the hacienda of Tabi, has in its em- 
ploy nearly three hundred persons. It is upon the confines of 
civilization in this portion of Yucatan, and has always a strong mili- 
tary force quartered upon it for its protection. It was upon this ha- 
cienda that the first fiuy of the savage Mayan outbreak expended 
itself. But little is known as to what occurs in the dark depths of 
the forest beyond its boundaries. It is one of the many haciendas 
all over Yucatan owned by the members of the Peoji family. This 
family and the name of Peon is all over Yucatan a synonym for 
sturdy, uncompromising loyalty, is noted for its broad, progressive 
ideas and generous hospitality. Long may their numbers increase 
and furnish guides for Yucatan's true prosperity. 

After the usual trials incident to such an expedition we reached 
the ruins of Labnii, just as a tropical twilight was swiftly gathering 
its shadows around the matted tree trunks. The last rays of the 
sun brighdy illumined one gray old ruin built upon a lofty mound. 
I intended to make one of the chambers in the ruin my quarters 
for the night, but on descending to the valley where the horses 
were tethered for the night, I found the men talking about " un 
tigre " that they had seen or heard. I then deemed it prudent for 



140 

the safety of our animals that we should bivouac close beside them. 
Consequently our hammocks were swung from tree to tree, a huge 
fire kindled, our quickly prepared supper soon disposed of, and 
the usual evening talk around the camp fire commenced. 

A really merry lot these Mayas were, of whom but one could 
really speak the Spanish tongue. They told me Mayan legends 
and sang me Mayan songs, and then in return asked me to tell 
them of my far off country. In, I fear, a somewhat faulty manner, 
for my knowledge of the Maya tongue is not yet perfect, I told them 
of my country, of New England, its forests hidden beneath the snow, 
and its rivers still with ice. As they sat in a circle around the 
fire, their black eyes glistening in its light, and interested red- 
brown faces, the picture brought vividly to my mind a similar in- 
cident told me by Paul DuChaillu of his journey mid the jungle 
tribes of Africa. 

After a while when all save the watcher had bid me Ki-tan fa 
bagage (good night), and taken to their hammocks, I was left alone 
to write my notes by the flickering fire light. These finished, the 
fire low, and the watchman drowsily sitting with his back against 
a tree, I took to my hammock stretched between two cha-car trees, 
and with my knife and pistol still in my belt in anticipation of a 
midnight visit from a jaguar, I sought to sleep. The moon shone 
as bright and clear as it does at home. Every leaf and twig above 
me, as well as the old ruined temple upon the pyramid was clearly 
outlined against the sky. I was far away from civilized life, and, 
if the Indians said truly, the only white traveler that had ever slept 
amid these scenes. Once in a while some low, strange cry would 
come wailing up from the distant depths of the forest. The 
hard jaunt of the preceding days soon gave me sleep. No tiger 
disturbed either man or beast, and early next morning we awoke 
refreshed and in good shape for the coming day's hard labor with 
the axe, measuring chain and photographic apparatus. 

Of the four buildings still standing in a comparatively good state 
of preservation, a person could pass within fifty yards of all save 
one and still remain unaware of their existence, so dense is the 
growth of tropical verdure. The one exception is the ruined 
temple before referred to. Having itself an altitude of thirty feet 



HI 

and standing upon a pyramid whose sharply inclined plane measures 
sixty-four feet from base to crown, it overtops all save the neigh- 
boring hills. The edifice stands upon what was once a platform 
crowning a terraced pyramid. This platform, and also the terraces 
below it, are broken and buried beneath the accumulation of debris. 
Two doorways now exist, facing south, and circumstances would 
seem to indicate the former presence of one, if not of two, more. 
Within the edifice still exists one entire, and the greater portion of 
two other chambers, each nineteen and one half feet long, six feet 
eight inches wide, and twelve feet nine inches from apex of the 
arched roof to the chamber floor. It is not the chambers that 
excite wonder, for they are small and plain ; but the facade that 
rises a huge perpendicular wall, thirty feet from base to top, almost 
twenty feet above the chamber roof, and thirty-three feet wide. 
This facade, facing south by west, was once nearly covered with 
figures in haute re/ievo, and strange emblems done in stucco. I 
lament greatly the ruin that has fallen upon so many of them. 

Just above the line of the chamber doorways there were once 
eight, and with the portion of the facade spoken of by Stephens 
as destroj'ed, possibly ten, statues of human figures, heroic size, 
of these figures only fragments remain. Of one, however, the 
upper ])art of the bust and head is still intact, while of another the 
lower part remains. These fragments enabled me to form an idea 
of the perfect figures. Not only were these figures in high rehef, 
and well modeled, but they were evidently once tinted with bright 
pigments, of which vestiges still remain. When perfect the effect 
of the whole facade must have been remarkable. Slight stone 
canopies projected over each figure, and the under side of each 
of these was tinted a greenish blue, possibly to imitate the heavens. 
Around each head was a crown, or possibly a plaited head dress 
of hair ; this was painted a bright red. Above these figures are 
many more of greater or less importance, of which time will not 
now allow me to write. 

A short distance to the west of this building, which I believe to 
have been a temple (kun^), is a richly ornamented portal entrance 
leading to a once grand court yard. This portal, which was, until 
cleared to view by the axes of my men, completely hidden by the 



142 

trees and vines, is truly beautiful. Its decorations are rich and 
artistic, and would do credit to any nation at any period of art. 
The walls of this portal edifice are fully thirteen feet in thickness, 
while the arched portal entrance itself is ten feet wide. Facing 
north by east upon each side of the entrance is a chamber, prob- 
ably occupied by the guards of the entrance. Over each chamber 
entrance is a square recess, each of which once contained a 
brightly colored representation of the sun and its divergent rays. 
These once handsome stucco ornaments are now very much mu- 
tilated. 

Northeast of the portal some hundred yards or more, lies the 
largest ruin of the whole group now standing. It is truly a casa 
grande nearly three hundred feet in length, with many turns and 
angles. It now contains nearly twenty chambers, nearly perfect 
and similar in size to the chambers of the temple. How many 
more there were in the portions that now are shapeless ruins I 
could only judge. 

In this brief and unsatisfactory sketch I can only outline the 
salient points of interest. The entire facade of this building 
is encrusted with pillars, carvings and figures executed not in 
plastic stucco, but in stone itself. Of these figures two objects 
are of especial interest. One of these is the lower portion of a 
figure carved in stone, perfect from the waist down. This figure 
has a Falstafiian look about it as if the person or god whom it was 
designed to represent enjoyed good living. The dress consisted 
apparently of a tunic, the embroidered lower part of which is still 
visible. A sash girt his waist with pendent ends in front. His 
lower limbs were clad in a most peculiar garment, apparently of 
some quilted material, possibly the cotton armor of the Toltecs, 
ornamented in front with a broad band extending from hip to ancle, 
and terminated by a large rosette just above the instep. This 
covering of the limbs was wrinkled in a marvelous manner — fluted 
apparently. The sandals were confined to the feet by two throngs 
each, instead of one, as is the present custom. The second object 
of interest is a sculptured reptile of some fabulous class, holding 
in its mouth a human head. 



143 

The other interesting objects are many, but I must leave them 
for a future time, and pass on to the fourth and last perfect build- 
ing of this lost city. This is a large rectangular building having a 
wing attached, and with a rather sombre aspect, having but com- 
paratively few ornaments or decorations upon its facade. It has, 
however, between fifteen and twenty chambers in good condition. 
In front of this building, facing east, is a small well-like opening ; 
this at a depth of a few feet opens into a huge cavity or cenote of 
unknown depth. 

This, with other objects, I shall explore upon my projected 
second trip. I then propose to supplement the plans and photo- 
graphs of this trip by excavations for certain statues and other 
objects, as well as casts and moulds of statues, and certain in- 
scriptions found by me. 

The only archseologists who have reached this ruined city are 
the indefatigable Stephens and myself. I propose to give it a 
thorough and systematic investigation, to glean if possible from 
these comparatively undisturbed monuments some fragments of a 
lost history. 



LOCAL HISTORY AND GENEALOGY. 
CITY AND COUNTY NECROLOGY, 1 885. 

Among the deaths in Worcester and Worcester County within 
the year 1885 are the following: 

Jan. I. Maj. William D. Holbrook, well known in business 
and military circles. 

Jan. 14. Samuel Reeves Leland, in his 67th year, for a long 
period prominent in the music trade and in musical matters in 
central Massachusetts. 

Feb. 5 . Edward S. Howes, for many years State Gas Inspector. 

Feb. 23. At Sutton, Rev. Hiram A. Tracy, 80 years of age, 
a clergyman resident, and pastor of Sutton, and one of the histo- 
rians of the town. 



144 

March 7. Edward Jones, of the firm of Ashworth & Jones, 
woolen manufacturers at Cherry Valley, where he and his partner 
had established a large and prosperous business. 

March 10. Sergeant Thomas Plunkett, to be known always 
in the annals of our late war as the armless hero of Fredericksburg. 
He died at his post on the staff of Sergeant-at-arms of the Massa- 
chusetts Legislature. For the entire period since the close of the 
war he was in useful public service. In his honor at his funeral 
the Commonwealth was widely represented ; the State sending a 
guard of honor in charge of the tattered flag carried by Sergeant 
Plunkett when his arms were torn away. 

March 17. Prof. Charles O. Thompson, Ph. D., of the Rose 
Polytechnic Institute at Terre Haute, Indiana, where his death 
occurred. His recent and long connection with the Worcester 
Free Institute of Industrial Science, caused his death to be deeply 
lamented by many friends in this section and State. His remains 
were brought to Worcester for interment. 

May 5. Maj. Matthew J. McCafferty, long a resident of 
Worcester, and at the time of his death a Judge of the Municipal 
Court in Boston. He was prominent in the Democratic party, of 
good standing in his profession, and thoroughly respected for his 
energy and zeal in conquering the adverse and narrow circum- 
stances of his early life. 

June 27. Nathan T. Bemis, one of the largest livery stable 
proprietors in this city. For many years of the best period of 
stage-coaching in New England Mr. Bemis was actively identified 
with the business, and remained to the close of his life a treasury 
of facts of travel and intercourse in the earlier part of the century. 

July 15. R. R. Shepard, died at the age of 73. The senior 
member of the former firm of Shepard, Lathe & Co., prominent 
manufacturers in their period. 

Aug. 8. Dr. George A. Bates, a widely known and prominent 
medical practitioner. A native of Barre. 

Sept. 15. Francis H. Kinnicutt, aged 73, for many years a 
leading hardware merchant, and subsequently prominently con- 
nected with the affairs of the Worcester & Nashua railroad. 



145 

Sept. 20. Miss Tamerson White, for many years the useful 
and greatly respected matron of the Orphans' Home in this city. 

Sept. 26. David O. Woodman, prominent in the card clothing 
business, and a member of this Society. 

Oct. 17. Dr. William Workman, at the age of 87. He had 
achieved wealth and prominence in many years' practice of his 
profession. 



In the County Necrology at large there were many deaths at 
advanced age. The following are noted as occurring at 90 years 
and upward : 





JANUARY. 








Barre. 


Mrs. Margaret Ormsby, 


91. 






Lunenburg. 
Grafton. 


Mrs. Nancy Greene, 
Nancy Morse, 


90 yrs., 
90. 


5 mos. 


, 25d. 


Milford. 


Mrs. Lois Sumner, 

FEBRUARY. 


92 yrs. 


7 m-, 


9d. 


Mendon. 


Mrs. Sarah J. Allen, 


91. 






Barre. 


Samuel Kendall, 


93- 






Webster. 


Mrs. Mary J. Perry, 


90 yrs. 


II m 




Milford. 


John Nichols, 


91 yrs. 


6 m., 


II d 


Barre. 


Capt. James Woods, 


91. 






Leominster. 


Mrs. Lois Wyman, 


91. 






Grafton. 


Elethere Davis, 


96 yrs. 


, 2 m.. 


18 d 


Fitchburg. 


Mrs. Elizabeth Shea, 


90. 






Gardner. 


Joanna Wilder, 

MARCH. 


92 yrs., 


10 m., 


23 d 


Westminster. 


Mrs. Lucy Puffer, 


90. 






Harvard. 


Susan Beard, 


95 yrs. 


, II m 


.5^1 


Barre. 


Lambert Wheelock, 


90 yrs. 


8 m. 




Shrewsbury. 


Mrs. Sarah Davis, 


93- 







19 



Sturbridge. 
Hardwick. 
Leominster. 
Blackstone. 



Charlton. 
Upton. 



Ashburnhani. 

Hardwick. 

Charlton. 



Winchendon. 
Oakham. 



Leicester. 



146 



APRIL. 



Mrs. Betsey Lakin, 
Mrs. Patty Stone, 
Mrs. Experience Johnson, 
Miss Mary Bracken, 



MAY. 



Mrs. Martha W. Merrit, 
Mrs. Sarah Wood, 

JUNE. 



90. 

95- 
92. 
90. 



99 yrs., 6 m., 8 d. 
96 yrs., 7 m., i d. 



Col. Charles Barrett, 97. 

Pliny Dow, 91. 

Mrs. Rachel N. Blackman, 90. 



JULY. 

Margaret Emery, 
Mrs. Melinda Woodis, 



95- 
90. 



SEPTEMBER. 

Mrs. Sarah DeL. Henshaw, 91. 

OCTOBER. 



Westminster. 


Mrs. Lucy Gaut, 


92. 


Millbury. 


Mrs. S. P. Chase, 


94. 


Paxton. 


John Metcalf, 


94. 


Leicester. 


Mary Trumbull, 


92. 


Charlton. 


Mrs. Mary Hathaway 


98 yrs., 10 m 


Milford. 


Mrs. Thomas Kearnes, 

NOVEMBER. 


90. 


Southbridge. 


Mrs. Mary Ward, 


92. 



HENRY M. SMITH, Chairman. 



147 



ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS, PUBLICATIONS AND ENGRAVINGS. 

Manuscripts have been traced back to a period more than 
3,000 years b. c, and there is now in existence one written upon 
papyrus more than i ,600 years b. c. From these early times down 
to the present day this kind of material has been accumulating 
with great rapidity, till millions of rare specimens now exist, with- 
out a duplicate. 

The demand for this kind of literature has been constantly in- 
creasing till nearly every librarian in the world takes pride in call- 
ing attention to his collection of autograph letters and other well 
authenticated documents. Many of these valuable relics are 
allowed to remain in unsafe buildings, and so arranged as not to 
be accessible even to those who take pleasure in studying these 
survivals of past and remote generations. In many instances only 
one copy was ever made, and its destruction would banish forever 
from human sight a relic and a curiosity. 

The libraries of Europe were composed of manuscript books, 
wholly, before printing was discovered ; and notwithstanding the 
labor and the care employed in their preservation, thousands upon 
thousands were from time to time destroyed by fire and by icono- 
clasts, agencies specially adapted to the work of destruction. 

The library of Constantinople, containing 120,000 volumes, was 
burned in the eighth century, and the collection of Matthias 
Corvinus, containing 50,000 manuscripts, was destroyed in 1526. 
From that day to the present time these engines of destruction 
have been busy with this class of perishable material. 

The wisdom of ages, so carefully preserved by the scribes, has 
perished in a moment. Scientific formula, religious dogma, and 
historic research, have vanished like a shadow, leaving no trace of 
their existence except that eliminated from the unreliable data of 
tradition. 

Original manuscripts, worthy of preservation, ought to be du- 
plicated with pen or type, and deposited in places of safety, so that 
in case the original is destroyed copies will still exist. I hereby 



148 

call the attention of our Society to its own collection, hoping that 
one or more of the rare manuscripts, now in our archives without 
a duplicate, may be printed each year, and a limited number of 
copies judiciously distributed. 

CLARK JILLSON, Chairman. 



RELICS, COINS AND CURIOSITIES. 
MEDALS. 

The first occupations of man were the tending of flocks and 
the tilling of the soil. People accumulated property, and a person 
was said to be worth so many head of cattle or so many hundred 
sheep. All trade was conducted by barter, or the actual exchange 
of one kind of goods for another. This was very inconvenient. 
The shepherd who wished to procure cloth or leather for himself 
and family could purchase only by giving in exchange an ox, his 
smallest commodity. But this bought more cloth and leather than 
he needed. The ox could not be subdivided without loss to the 
owner, and perhaps the vender of leather did not care to make 
this sort of an exchange. Merchandise which could most readily 
be divided without losing value, or which once divided could from 
its parts again be made into a whole, would always find a ready 
market. The metals, like gold, silver and copper, combine these 
qualities to a degree not found in other materials ; and all civilized 
people have adopted them as mediums of trade. When first used 
in trade the iron or copper was in rude form ; in bars, or perhaps 
cubes. Every sale occasioned endless parleys and bickerings as 
to the value of the commodities. 

After a time the metal was weighed, its value determined, and 
then it was stamped upon one side with the figure of a ram's head, 
or of a bull. This was money in its primitive form. By its use men 
found it easy to drive sharp bargains with their neighbors. The 
worth of an ox was known ; the value of a copper cube could only 
be guessed. The modern sharper had his ancient prototype who 



149 

gave short weight and small measure. But the old Greeks were a 
strongly religious people. During their time their gods lived with 
them upon earth. Apollo and Zeus and Aphrodite had their sa- 
cred groves and valleys, each with its temple in care of a bevy of 
priests. These temples were the only places free from violence 
and pillage during the frequent wars. The making of money was 
ilelegated to the temple priests because it was thought their stamp 
would sufficiently attest the values of their coins. One coin had 
upon it the figure of Apollo, another of Minerva, and another of 
Hermes, according to the temple from whence it emanated. In 
time a simple inscription was added, and finally, when the sover- 
eign had assumed the right to stamp money, his own effigy was 
added, making the complete obverse of the coin. Thus originated 
these most enduring memorials of antiquity. 

How fortunate that these little counters, fashioned to supply a 
commercial need, should have been so well calculated for preserva- 
tion through the centuries. The sculpture, the architecture, the 
literature, of the ancients is preserved for us only in fragments ; 
but thousands of perfect coins, each with its morsel of history, are 
unearthed every year. Arts, literature, religions, all are explained 
and illustrated, and in many fields of research coins give us our only 
authentic information. As a record of old Greek art alone a series 
of medals is invaluable. In the age of Pericles his whole country 
teemed with masterpieces of sculpture, but most of these have 
been lost, and a not very large room would contain all that have 
come down to us. The old coin engravers had genius in kind 
precisely like that of the great sculptors, and we find upon their 
medals beautiful memory copies of the grand old marble master- 
pieces. This may be verified in any museum of Grecian antiquities. 
In spite of their diminutive size a good collection of Greek coins 
is perhaps the most valuable art contribution of the past. 

Though coins seldom give us historic information at first hand, 
they are valuable in corroborating old records, in elucidating 
doubtful points, or in settling differences of authors who have 
given contradictory readings. Of course they are not always re- 
liable ; many of them are notoriously misleading. Old Roman 
coins struck by the senate in honor of the sovereign are ridiculous 



ISO 

in their flattery : Nero appearing as the father of his country, and 
Caracalla as the personification of saintUness, Nearer to our own 
time is the set of medals commemorating the exploits of Louis xiv. 
One cannot read from them the story of royalty given by Thack- 
eray in his Paris Sketch Book. Designers have lost much of the 
sincerity which distinguished them of old, and the medals of the 
nineteenth century will be enigmas for our posterity to unravel. 

The most obvious use of medals is to show forth the faces of 
famous people, their wives, children and friends. In no other way 
could so many likenesses be preserved. From Alexander the 
Great down to the present time we have medallic portraits of all 
the great captains and sovereigns, while painted pictures date only 
from the middle ages, and works of sculpture are few and lack in 
authenticity. Here we may read the very characters of individuals ; 
strong, brutal, obstinate, ferocious. Language cannot picture them 
in lines so clear and strong. 

In every age coin engraving has been the reflection and illus- 
trator of the art of that time. If sculptured work has been broadly 
and grandly executed, medals have been remarkable for boldness 
and simplicity ; on the other hand, when architecture has tended 
toward littleness and finish then the die cutters' designs have shown 
much confusion and painful elaboration of detail. Compare a coin 
of Lysimachus with a centennial medal and this distinction will be 
made strikingly manifest. The Greek coins are real works of art ; 
ours have a value only from their reladon to history. The Greek 
had no machinery ; he was fettered in his work by the lack of good 
tools. He had not learned the use of steel, but made his dies of 
bell-metal or bronze, somewhat hard to be sure, but not sufficiently 
so to stand for any length of time the hard work to which they 
were subjected. In a series of coins struck from a single die we 
can frequently trace the development of imperfections in the 
succeeding impressions. The pieces were struck too with no collar 
to hold them in place or to give regularity to the outline. One 
man held the metal witli a pair of pincers, another placed and 
held the die, while a third struck a powerful blow with a heavy 
hammer. The dies were soon worn out and it became necessary 
to replace them, so that many workmen were given constant 



151 

occupation. This produced a lively competition, and consequently 
a growing excellence in the quality of the designs. Masters of the 
art were in high request, and often had a fame which spread 
through several countries. The common artizan was gifted with 
high qualities of mind, not the least of which was good taste ; and 
it is not to be wondered at that his products were beautiful. The 
coins were small in value, therefore necessarily numerous. These 
were kept by their owners in jars or vases which were often buried 
in the ground for security. Everything seems to have been cal- 
culated for their preservation. 

The art of Roman coins was far inferior to that of the Greek. 
The sculpture and architecture of Rome were copied from Greek 
originals. In like manner the best coins were made by Greeks 
from Greek patterns. Their art was imitative rather than creative, 
but it often carried them to the highest success in portraiture. 
The best work was of the time of Augustus, after which there was 
a long, rapid decline. In some of the Imperial coins the delinea- 
tion of character is wonderful ; in this respect nothing could be 
more satisfactory than the series impressed with the figure of Nero. 

Down to the sixteenth century there were no pieces which could 
strictly be called medals. When Addison and Gibbon speak of 
medals they really refer to those old coins which have gone out of 
use, and have been collected by antiquaries. Modern medals 
usually commemorate some event ; the Greeks had almost nothing 
corresponding to these. The Roman coins, to be sure, were 
sometimes commemorative in character, but they were not much 
akin to the later Italian medals. Nothing like these had been 
known before ; they almost inaugurated a new art. They were 
not issued by any authority, but were a sort of commodity to be 
bought and sold, as we to-day deal in pictures and statuary. 

To a certain degree the mediaeval medallion served the purpose 
of the modern miniature or photograph. Those who wished to 
remain in the recollection of their children left them memorials as 
enduring as copper or brass. The nobility and aristocracy, es- 
pecially, became the patrons of the medal makers. It became 
the fashion of the time, and many of the great families had a sort 
of medallic history. 



152 

The first and perhaps the greatest of the ItaHan medahsts was 
a painter, Pisano by name ; and to this circumstance much of the 
pecuUar excellence of his work was due : others made their de- 
signs after the traditions of the gem cutters and the seal engravers ; 
he first painted in metal. In place of the process employed by 
the ancients, he substituted a method more nearly related to that 
of the modern moulder in clay. His medals were large, and to 
that end he employed a plastic substance to work upon. He had 
a large circular field for his design. He moulded his model in 
wax ; from that he prepared others' in clay, into which he poured 
his molten metal. Having the power to delineate not form alone, 
but form along with character of the noblest kind, he has never 
been surpassed as a portrait medalist. During the century follow- 
ing Pisano most medallic work was by gold- and silversmiths. 
Though their workmanship was finer, there was great deterioration 
in the quality of the designs. At this time dies were introduced 
for striking the smaller pieces. To this period belongs Benvenuto 
Cellini, and different collections contain several specimens of his 
work. 

The great Italian renaissance left its impress upon the art of all 
Europe. The medalists of England, France and Germany learned 
their craft from Italian masters, but tempered their work, more or 
less, with their own individuality. The German and the Italian 
medals of the time differed from each other, just as a drawing by 
Holbein differs from one by Correggio. Idealism was not a feature 
of German art, but their work of the time was imbued with the 
strength and quaintness of studies from nature. To this excellence 
was added the characteristic Teutonic care in execution, so that 
the German medals form an important series. Albert Diirer's 
influence is seen everywhere, and many pieces preserve the char- 
acteristics of his engravings. 

The first great French medalist was Guillaume Dupr^. Many 
of his works may justly be called masterpieces. He was employed 
by all the great Frenchmen of his time ; the result was a portrait 
gallery of his contemporaries. Scarcely inferior to him and follow- 
ing worthily in his footsteps, were the Warins, Jean and Claude. 
The beautiful Richelieu by Jean in the collection of The Worcester 



153 

Society of Antiquity sufficiently determines the quality of his 
genius. The long series of Louis xiv. is remarkable in some re- 
spects, but from lack of sincerity the authors have not risen to the 
highest plane of their art. 

The earliest of the Napoleonic medals were poor, but under 
the direction of the Paris Mint Master, Denon, their quality rapidly 
improved. Some of them remind one of the old Greek coins. 
The portrait heads designed by Andrieu, Droz, and Jouffroy are 
admirable in their simplicity and strength. Bonaparte was pleased 
to foster an art which could one day present him to the public as 
"The Little Corporal," and the next as Apollo crowned with 
I laurel, and patron of music and poetry. Under his encourage- 
ment the series swelled to several hundred. Many of the heads 
are faithful portraits, others are highly idealized ; several, as those 
by Droz and Gall^, are from the bust by Chauder. One of the 
most beautiful Napoleons is by Gall6. The reverse shows Napo- 
leon seated in a chair, his hand resting upon an eagle, while ad- 
vancing towards him is a turreted female figure, the personification 
of the city of Paris. This medal was issued at a grand entertain- 
ment at the Hotel de Ville. Thousands of copies were distributed 
among the people. This was one of Napoleon's pretty plans for 
extending his popularity ; and we can imagine with what care the 
old veterans of Austerlitz, Jena and Waterloo, preserved these 
mementoes of their great leader. Nearly every event in his career, 
private as well as public, was recorded in this manner. At his 
marriage, at his coronation, and at the birth of his son, great 
quantities of medals were struck, always in four sizes. Those 
present at the ceremonies received the largest, which were of gold 
or silver. The smaller ones in bronze were given to the people 
in countless numbers. It is no wonder that medals of this class 
are not rare. 

From a historic point of view this series has great value, for the 
events which it commemorates have not been surpassed in impor- 
tance since the days of the Roman Empire. The value, however, is 
greatly impaired by the exhibition of false praise and exaggeration. 
What are we to think of a medal in which Diogenes searching for 
his honest man, puts out his light having discovered Napoleon? 



154 

Another of these medals is characteristic. While Napoleon was 
contemplating a descent upon England he caused to be prepared 
a die having for its reverse a giant struggling with a huge sea 
monster. This had the legend: "Frappe^ a Londres, 1804." 
It is needless to say that this medal was never circulated, but a 
wax impression of the die is extant, and the design deprived of 
its legend was afterwards employed in another medal. 

Most of the best work on English coins has been the product 
of foreigners. Among a great many pieces of poor quality there 
are some of great beauty. Cromwell was so fortunate as to have 
in his employ the Simons, who perhaps were English, and who 
perpetuated his portrait on one of the finest sets of British coins. 
A curious product of those times was the "touch piece" worn 
upon the neck and touched by the king for the cure of king's evil. 
The piece given by Queen Anne to Dr. Johnson during his baby- 
hood is now preserved in the British Museum. 

The set of English sovereigns, thirty-four in all, struck by 
Dassiers in the reign of George 11. gives what are supposed to be 
good likenesses of the kings. The small Wellington in our So- 
ciety's collection, is one of a set of forty medals struck in England 
under Mr. Mudie's direction in 1808. 

Many English medals were struck to mark events during the 
wars in America and upon the Continent. Some of these are of a 
satirical turn, and show that Englishmen had good opinions of 
themselves away back in the eighteenth century. Numerous 
mihtary and naval medals were distributed among soldiers and 
sailors for remarkable valor, for leading in forlorn hopes, etc. 
Every soldier who participated in the battle of Waterloo received 
his medal. At the present day England well knows the propriety 
of perpetuating this custom, so well calculated to incite her sons 
to deeds of bravery. 

As we in America have no orders of nobility, the highest dis- 
tinction we can bestow upon our soldiers, statesmen, and public 
benefactors, is a medal given by the whole people, as directed by 
the National Congress. Much reserve and good judgment has 
been shown in awarding this honor, so that at the close of the 



155 

first century of our nation's existence only eighty-six medals had 
been struck by order of Government. Of these the greater num- 
ber belong to the period between the beginning of the Revolution 
and the close of the second war with England. During the Mexican 
war only three national medals were stamped, two for Taylor and 
one for Scott, while in the Rebellion there were only two, one each 
to Grant and Cornelius Vanderbilt. Up to the year 1800 nearly 
all our medals were the work of French engravers, among whom 
were Dupr<§, Duvivier, Gatteaux, and Andrieu, the very best work- 
men of their time. Much of the excellence of these pieces is due 
to the careful supervision of the work by Franklin and Jefferson 
while representing this country in France. Franklin became the 
friend of Dupr6, and was greatly admired by him ; and he doubt- 
less had an acquaintance with others of the engravers. Dupr^ 
made two Franklin medals which are remarkable for their delinea- 
tion of age and character. The faces are finely modeled, and are 
excellent examples of the medallic representation of flesh. The 
obverses of these and the other Revolutionary medals were the 
designs of "The French Academy of Inscriptions and Belle Lettres." 
The inscription " Eripuit coelo fulmen sceptrum que tyrannis " upon 
one of the Franklins is by Turgot. 

Franklin, as usual upon any subject, had original and thrifty 
notions about medals and their uses. He thought when only one 
medal was to be given it should be engraved that the expense 
might be lessened ; also that the medal dies should be used in 
stamping coin, thus imitating the Romans and Greeks ; " For" said 
he, "if there be but one medal, a man must show it in order to 
enjoy it." 

Sometime before the Declaration of Independence Congress 
ordered a medal for Washington in honor of his siege of Boston. 
This was made by Duvivier, and the inscription was suggested by 
Jefferson. The original medal is now in the Public Library at 
Boston. The portrait in the cabinet medal of Washington made 
by Paquet, is a copy of the above with suggestions from the bust 
by Houdon. This is perhaps the most correct medallic likeness 
of Washington. The Paul Jones, executed in France under the 
care of Franklin, is also after plaster casts by Houdon. While, 



156 

no doubt, these pieces were excellent, they were also costly ; and 
it gave Franklin many a pang to pay for them. He wrote from 
Paris concerning the DeFleury medal : "The price of such work 
is beyond my expectation, being a thousand livres for each die. 
I shall try if it is not possible to have the others done cheaper." 
These French made medals received great praise from the eminent 
art critic, Louis Blanc. 

The curious piece awarded the captors of Andr6 is not, strictly 
speaking, a medal, but repouss^ work, and the product of a silver- 
smith. The greatest of American medalists was C. C. Wright, 
who engraved a fine Washington, and the Scott, Taylor, Webster 
and Clay medals. 

Since 1800 there has been a great falling off in the quality of 
our medals. American talent has in almost every case been em- 
ployed, and the result is just what one would suppose, flat and 
lifeless, and in most cases positively ugly. The greater part of the 
series of miHtary medals commemorating events in the War of 
181 2 is the work of Fiirst, and a more inelegant, unartistic nu- 
mismatical collection could not be imagined. They are but phan- 
toms of medals. Why Providence should so afflict a young nation 
is hard to understand. Whether our fathers were fostering home 
talent and industry, or whether they knew no better and were im- 
posed upon, or whether no one in authority cared anything about 
the matter, it will not be easy to determine ; but if the future 
numismatist shall study our period by the light of our medallic 
art, how shall he find a place for us among civilized peoples ? 

One engraver, Reich, did much better work, but, unfortunately, 
his pieces are few. One in memory of Preble's expedition to 
Tripoli, one Hull, and the Jefferson and Madison of the Presidential 
series, complete the list. The pipe and tomahawk Indian peace 
series were designed for presentation to chiefs of tribes at the 
conclusion of treaties. Most of them are within the appreciation 
of savages, and are not worthy of their name. 

As we approach the present the state of things is really pitiable ; 
witness the obverse of the Grant medal, the Cyrus W. Field, and 
especially the Centennial medal. What an occasion for inspira- 



157 

tion in the completion of the initial hundred years' life of the first 
real, grand republic ! But what a feeble medal ! It might have 
been .given for an improved cider-mill at some country cattle-show. 
The reverse may fitly be described as "a beautiful girl arrayed in 
flowing robes," the obverse as ^' three other beautiful girls arrayed 
in flowing robes." 

All this misdirected work has its cause. Our country is new, our 
life is luxurious, our thought is toward business and thrift. Such 
are not the conditions for development of artistic feeling. Coin- 
ing machinery makes a coin perfect for business purposes, a coin 
that may be easily counted and packed, a coin that will not easily 
wear away, a coin that may not be clipped without detection, but 
at the same time a coin with a minimum of artistic excellence. 

J. CHAUNCEY LYFORD, 

For the Department. 



No. XXVI. 




PROCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



MoFfFslfFP J^oriptg of ^nMquitg, 



FOR THE YEAR 



1887. 




WORCESTER, MASS.: 

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY, 

1888. 

V. S. \. CXII. 



This number completes the seventh volume. 
A title-page will be found at the end. 



PROCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



MorrFsl^FP jSoriFtg of ^nHqnilfg, 



FOR THE YEAR 



1887. 




WORCESTER, MASS.: 

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 

1888. 

LI. S. A. CXII. 



WORCESTER : 

PRIVATE PRESS OF FRANKLIN P. RICE. 

MDCCCLXXXVIII. 



OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY, 

1888. 



PRESIDENT, 

ELLERY B. CRANE. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS, 

ALBERT TOLMAN, GEORGE SUMNER. 

SECRETARY, 

WILLIAM F. ABBOT. 

TREASURER, 

HENRY F. STEDMAN. 

LIBRARIAN, 

THOMAS A. DICKINSON. 



DEPARTMENTS OF WORK. 



ARCHEOLOGY AND GENERAL HISTORY. 

CHARLES R. JOHNSON, Chaiymnu. 

LOCAL HISTORY AND GENEALOGY. 

HENRY M. SMITH, Chairman. 

ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS, PUBLICATIONS 
AND ENGRAVINGS. 

CLARK JILLSON, Chairman. 

RELICS, COINS AND CURIOSITIES. 

THOMAS A. DICKINSON, Chairman. 

MILITARY HISTORY. 

AUGUSTUS B. R. SPRAGUE, Chairman. 



COMMITTEES. 



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE : 

ELLERY B. CRANE, ALBERT TOLMAN, 

GEORGE SUMNER, WILLIAM F. ABBOT, 

HENRY F. STEDMAN. 



STANDING COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS 

JOSEPH JACKSON, for one year; 
EDWARD R. LAWRENCE, for two years ; 
DANIEL SEAGRAYE, for three years. 



COMMITTEE ON BIOGRAPHY : 

ALBERT TYLER, ALFRED S. ROE, 

NATHANIEL PAINE, CLARK JILLSON, 

SAMUEL E. STAPLES. 



COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATIONS : 

ELLERY B. CRANE, SAMUEL E. STAPLES, 

FRANKLIN P. RICE. 



MEMBEES OF THE SOCIETY 



Admitted in 1886-7. 



ACTIVE MEMBERS. 



Edward Marvin Wood,* 

1887. 
John Edward Lynch, 
Joseph Augustus Titus, 
Rev. George Faber Clark, 
James Jenkins, 

Rev. Samuel Dana Hosmer, . 
Henry Ayling Phillips, 
Elias Jefferson Rockwood, 
William Alba Houghton, 
Henry Arthur White, 
Hon. Phinehas Ball, 
Franklin Fayette Phelps, 



Worcester. 

Worcester. 

Worcester. 

Hubbardston. 

Worcester. 

Auburn. 

Worcester. 

Worcester. 

Worcester. 

Leicester. 

Worcester. 

Worcester. 



CORRESPONDING MEMBERS. 



Rev. William Addison Benedict, 
Albert Alfonzo Lovell, 
Rev. Albert Tyler, 
Henry Loriston SnuAnvAY, 



Orange Grove, Fla. 
Medfield. 
Oxford. 
Boylston. 



* Omitted from the list of iSS6. 



PROCEEDINGS 



PROCEEDINGS 



For 1887. 




HE one hundred and sixty-eighth meeting 
of The Worcester Society of Antiquity was 
held on the evening of Tuesday, January 
4th, 1887. 

Present : Messrs. Abbot, Crane, Cutler, Dick- 
inson, Estey, Gould, C. Jillson, Lawrence, G. 
Maynard, Meriam, Otis, Sawyer, A. F. Simmons, 
Stedman, Sumner, Rice, Tucker, Warren, C. G. 
Wood, members ; and Charles Estes, visitor. — 20. 

The President delivered the following Address : 

Gentktnen of The IVorcesfer Socicfy of Antiquity : 

As we take up our work for the new year, you may, perhaps, 
expect that in returning thanks for the honor of having again 
been chosen as your presiding officer, I would add a few words 
concerning the uninterrupted good fortune of this, our favorite 
organization, and the numerous and valuable contributions that 



lO 

have come to enrich and enlarge its Library and Cabinet of 
Curiosities during the past twelve months. That you may have a 
more complete and accurate description of them than could be 
furnished in a brief review, I will refer you to the detailed reports 
of the several officers of the Society. But while we so briefly and 
in a general way allude to the many valuable gifts the Society has 
received, let us also offer anew our grateful acknowledgement to 
each individual contributor who has so kindly and thoughtfully 
added to our stock of Treasures. Especially would we remember 
the kindly benefactions from our mother institution, the American 
Antiquarian Society. 

It is not my purpose to occupy your time in commenting upon 
the receipts during the year that has just closed ; I prefer rather 
to allow you to perform that task for yourselves, and in your own 
way, for the crowded condition of our Rooms tells in words more 
forcible than I can command, of the marvelous success that has 
thus far attended our efforts. 

The Proceedings of the Tenth x\nniversary of the Society, which 
has been numbered XXII., completes the Sixth volume of our 
Publications, and including No. XXIII. (the Proceedings proper 
for the year 1S85), we now have in print 2847 octavo pages, 
bearing the Seal of this Society. 

A few days since, a flash came over the wire between this city 
and Boston, bringing the sad tidings of the death of Hon. 
Marshall Pinckney Wilder, President of the N. E. Historical and 
Genealogical Society. For seventeen years he had been the 
honored head of that useful and popular institution. At the time 
of his death he was in the 89th year of his age. His long life 
has been one of exceeding usefulness and activity. He early 
made himself conspicuous as a member of the Massachusetts 
Horticultural Society, and for many years was its President. 
Like honors were conferred upon him by the American Pomolog- 
ical Society, and the U. S. Agricultural Society. 

Rarely has it fallen to the lot of any man to enjoy so many 
years in which to dispense his usefulness, and rarely can there be 



1 1 

found a man who has so tlioroughly utiUzed the time that was 
given him. He is gone, but the noble record of faithful service 
still remains as an incentive for others to emulate his worthy 
example. 

It has ever been a source of pride among our forefathers to be 
able to trace their lineage to a noble ancestry. Although in this, the 
nineteenth century, we find not so much stress attached to noble 
birth as formerly, yet there appears no good reason why it should 
not be cited and used as an incentive to more worthy living and 
superior attainments. At the time of the publication of the 
• Revised Rawson Family Memorial, in the year 1875, comparatively 
little was known concerning the ancestry of Edward Rawson, who 
was for so many years Secretary of the Massachusetts Bay 
Colony. Soon after the volume referred to had found its way 
into the hands of the public, the writer chanced to be strolling 
among the monuments of the departed dead in the old church 
yard, at Mendon, Mass.; and while examining a slab of slate- 
stone that once formed the end of a cromlech over the grave 
where had been deposited the remains of a son and daughter of 
Capt. William Rawson, grandson of the Secretary, a figure was 
discovered, which, on removing the lichen, proved to be that of a 
family armorial. Of this a drawing was carefully made, and steps 
immediately taken toward finding the name of its original owner. 

A brief research revealed the fact that the armorial was one 
borne by Sir John Rawson, Knight of Rhodes, and of St. John of 
Jerusalem.* He was elected Prior of Kilmainham in 151 i,t ''ind 
in 15 1 7, by order of King Henry VHL, was sworn Privy Council- 
lor of Ireland, and Lord Treasurer of that Kingdom. In 1526, at 
the request of King Henry VIII., he was appointed by the grand 
master, Turcopolier of the order of Knights of St. John. This 
office he exchanged with Sir. John Babington for the dignity of 
Prior of Ireland. 

*The Order of St. John began in the year 11 20. They wore long gowns 
or robes of black, with white crosses upon the breast. 
fThe Priory of Kilmainham was situated near Dublin. 



12 



In the 33d year of Henry VIII. (1542), Sir John surrendered 
the Priory of Kihuainham to the King, obtaining therefor a 
pension of 500 marks out of the estate of the Hospital, and as he 
had sat in the Irish House of Lords, as Prior of Kihuainham, he 
exchanged his spiritual dignity for a temporal peerage, being' 
created Viscount Clontarff. This title became extinct at his 
death in the year 1560. He left a daughter, Catherine, who 
married Rowland Whyte, son of Patrick Whyte, second Baron of 
the Exchequer in Ireland. This armorial of Sir John Rawson 
was placed in one of the windows of Swingfield church, a chapel 
dedicated to St. Peter. The Parish of Swingfield was included in 
the property of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, and is , 
located five miles north from Folkestone, in the County of Kent. 

Sir John Rawson had four brothers and three sisters. Avery 
and Christopher were citizens and merchants of London, dealers 
in the staple of Calais. Christopher owned Old Wool Quay, in 
Petty Wales (Lower Thomas Street), having received it by his 
mother's will. He died in 15 18, and was buried at Allhallow's 
Barking, Great Tower Street. 

Richard bore the title of Doctor of Divinity as well as Doctor 
of Laws ; was Prebendary of Durnsford, in Salisbury ; Arch- 
deacon of Essex, 1502 ; Rector of St. Olaves, Hart Street, 15 10 ; 
Canon of Windsor, 1521 ; was Vicar of the church at Beacons- 
field, Buckinghamshire, having been presented there July 25, 1525. 
He rebuilt the Parsonage House, where his arms were remaining 
in 1728. Died in 1543. 

The other brother, Nicholas, became master of the Free Chapel 
at Gressenhall, County of Norfolk. Died leaving two sons, John 
and Walter. 

The elder brother, Avery, aside from being a merchant in 
London, was styled of Aveley, a Parish fourteen or fifteen miles 
east of London, in the County of Essex. His son, Nicholas 
Rawson, was not only an owner of an estate in Aveley, but also 
held lands there in fee simple by copy of Court Roll. He 
married the widow of William Copley, Esq., whose maiden name 



13 

was Beatrix Cooke, daughter of Sir Philip Cooke, Knight of 
Giddea Hall, County of Essex. She died at the home of her 
daughter, Lady Anne Rawson Stanhope, at Shelford, January 14, 
1554. Nicholas Rawson died in 1529, leaving four children; 
a daughter Anne became the wife of Sir Michael. Stanhope, 
Knight of Shelford, County of Nottingham. Sir Michael seems 
to have been held in high favor by King Henry VHI., for on 
the 24th of Nov. 153S, he, by letters patent, granted to him and 
his wife Anne, the house and site of the Priory, and Almshouses, 
etc., within the Parish of Shelford, including 164 acres of land 
with all the appurtenances. February 5, 1540, he bestowed 
upon him the Manor of Shelford, and the Rectories of the parish 
churches of Shelford, Sarendale, Gedling, Burton Jorz, Forth- 
Ruskham, and all manors, messuages, lands, tenants, etc., in 
Shelford, Sarendale, Newton, Brigford, Gunthorpe, Lowdham, 
Cathorpe, Horingham, Bulcote, Gedling, Carlton, Stoke, Lamcote, 
Flintham, Long-CoUingham, Cawnton, the town of Nott, Newark, 
Burton Jorz, and Forth-Ruskham, all in the county of Notting- 
ham, and late belonging to the monastery of Shelford, Michael 
Stanhope, Esq., paying therefor 119/ per annum. 

In the year 1544 the King appointed him Steward over the 
Lordships of Holderness and Cottingham. In 1546 he was 
dubbed a Knight at Hampton Court, and in the following year 
received the appointment of Governor of Hull. In 1548 he was 
chosen Chief Gentleman of the Privy Chamber to King Edward 
VI. The high and responsible position to which he had now 
attained, brought with it grave results. The rivalry and jealousy 
that existed among those who held high places among the King's 
Councillors, made it extremely hazardous in those days to occupy 
exalted positions, especially as taking the life of a person who 
stood in the way of the promotion of another, seems to have been 
comparatively easily arranged for, on the ground that the success 
or wellbeing of the Government demanded it. Thus the flatter- 
ing career of our noble Knight was soon to reach a close. 

Sir Edward Stanhope, the father of Sir Michael, was twice 
married. The name of his first wife was Adelina, daughter of Sir 



14 

Gervas Clefton, by whom he had Richard and Michael. After 
the death of Michael's mother, he married Elizabeth, daughter of 
Fulc Bourchier, Lord Fitz Warin, by whom he had a daughter 
Anne, who became the wife of Edward Seymour, Duke of 
Somerset, who was uncle as well as Protector to King Edward 
VI. Through the belief that his brother Thomas (Lord Sey- 
mour,) had been intriguing against him, the Protector had him 
arrested, tried for treason, condemned, and beheaded on the 20th 
of March, 1549. But soon the tables were turned. A powerful 
rival to the Duke of Somerset appeared in the person of John 
Dudley, Earl of Warwick and Duke of Northumberland, who had 
been compelled to resign the office of Lord High Admiral by the 
Protector, in order that his brother, Thomas Seymour, might 
receive that appointment, and was only waiting for an opportunity 
to get his revenge. Dudley had again been made Lord High 
Admiral, and soon succeeded in gaining extensive influence 
among the Lords of the Council, and was in especial favor with the 
King. So skillful was he in conducting his efforts that he finally 
succeeded in influencing the King to sign the deposition of his 
Uncle the Protector, and on the 14th of October, 155 1, he, with 
the Duchess and several other persons, quite likely Sir Michael 
Stanhope among the number, were sent as prisoners to the 
Tower. On it appearing that the life of the Duke of Northum- 
berland was in danger, the King allowed the law to take its course. 
The Protector and his brother-in-law. Sir Michael Stanhope were 
tried and condemned to death, the Duke of Somerset being 
beheaded on Friday, the 2 2d day of January, 1552, Sir Michael 
sharing the same fate on the 26th day of the month following. 
That the latter may have been made a confidant of, and was 
under obligations to follow the instructions and dictates of his 
superior, the Duke of Somerset, is all we would offer in extenua- 
tion of the crime for which he was made to suffer the penalty of 
death. 

Anne Rawson, the widow of Sir Michael Stanhope, was born 
about the year 15 12, and as a fitting testimonial to her as a 
mother, we can say that notwithstanding the early and tragic 



15 

death of her husband, she, with true womanly courage, devoted 
her life to the welfare of her children, and their success in after 
years shows with what faithfulness and good judgment that care 
was bestowed. Out of eleven children, three, Margaret, William 
and Edward died in infancy. Thomas, the eldest, was Knighted 
at Kenilworth in the year 1575. He married Margaret, daughter 
of Sir John Port, by whom he had Sir John, who was the fither of 
Philip Stanhope, first Earl of Chesterfield. 

Edward, the second son, became one of the Queen's Council 
in the north of England, and died in 1608. The third son was 
Sir John Stanhope of Harrington, gentleman to the Privy Chamber 
to Queen Elizabeth, and created Lord Stanhope of Harrington in 
the year 1605. Edward, the fourth son, became a Doctor of 
Civil Law, and Master in Chancery. The fifth son. Sir Michael 
Stanhope of Sudbourn, County of Suffolk, Knighted by King 
James, May 7th, 1603, was gentleman of the Privy Chamber to 
Queen Elizabeth. The sixthf a daughter, Eleanor, married 
I'homas Cooper, Esq. Seventh, Julian, married John Hotham, 
Esq. Eighth, Jane, married Sir Roger Townsend. 

The eminent and responsible positions in State and Council to 
which the children of Lady Anne Rawson Stanhope were called 
and retained, furnishes a lasting tribute to the memory of a faithful 
and devoted mother. 

Lady Stanhope survived the death of her husband nearly 
thirty-five years, six days only wanting to complete that time. 
She died on the 20th of February, 1587, at the old home in 
Shelford, where she was buried. 

The old house at Shelford, was garrisoned for King Charles L, 
during the Civil wars, and one Philip Stanhope was in command 
and lost his life during an assault made by the enemy Oct. 27, 
1645, when the place was captured and the house burned to the 
ground. 

As the fruit of the marriage of Sir Michael Stanhope and 
Anne Rawson, we have had, during the years that have intervened, 
many prominent and illustrious personages whose lives have 



i6 

adorned the pages of English history. Notably among them are 
the Earls of Chesterfield, of Harrington and of Stanhope. 

The merchant, Christopher Rawson, brother of Sir John, and 
the owner of the Old Wool Quay in London, was twice married. 

First to Margaret , aftenvard to Agnes, daughter of William 

Burke. By the first wife he had three sons and two daughters ; 
John, Thomas, Richard, Margaret, who became first the wife of 
Henry Goodrick, brother of Thomas, Bishop of Ely and Lord 
Chancellor of England, afterwards of Mr. Crompton, of Stone ; and 
Catherine, who married Oliver Richardson. 

The names of the three sisters of Sir John Rawson were Anne, 
who became the wife of Richard Cely of London ; Elizabeth, wife 
of John Foxe, a merchant of London ; and Alice, of whom we 
have no marriage record. 

Having thus far given some account of Sir John and his 
descendants, together with those of his brothers and sisters, let us 
look at a brief record of his father, Richard Rawson, who was 
also a merchant of London, and, in the year 1475, Alderman of 
Farringdon Extra, and Sheriff of London in 1476. He married 
Isabella Craford, a descendant of the Crafords of Northumber- 
land. He died in 1483, and was buried at the church of St. 
Mary Magdalen, Milk street, London. By his will he gave many 
charitable and devotional lagacies, including the church at Fryston 
and for repairing the highways in and about Pomfret, Sherburn, 
Fryston and Castleford, in Yorkshire. 

Isabella, his wife, died in 1497, and was buried on Milk street 
by the side of her husband. By her will she gave several legacies, 
one to the Free Chapel of Gressenhall, County of Norfolk, of 
which her son Nicholas was master. 

Richard, the Sheriff of London, was son of Richard Rawson of 
Fryston, Yorkshire, England, and grandson of Robert of the same 
place, who married Agnes the daughter of Thomas Mares, and 
lived during the time of Richard II., and was probably born 
previous to the 14th century. 

The Rawsons may properly be styled a Yorkshire family. In 
the Harleian collection of Heralds visitations, at the British 



17 

Museum, London, England, may be found several pedigrees of 
different branches of the one great family. All but one appear 
to be records of the family in Yorkshire, only one being found in 
the collection of the family in any other County, and that one in 
Essex, volume 1137, folio 49. 

Edward Rawson, the grandfather of the Secretary, was a 
merchant, dealing in silks and woolen goods, and resided in the 
town of Colnbrook, in the Parish of Langley Marsh, Buckingham- 
shire, about seventeen miles west of London. Here his children 
were born. He was a man of considerable ]Droperty, and died 
rather early in life. His will was dated February 16, 1603, and 
proved May 4th the following year. He left two sons, Henry and 
David, both minors at the time of his death. His wife was 
Bridget Warde ; she married for a second husband, Thomas 
Woodward, Esq., of Lincoln's Inn, County of Middlesex. 

By the father's will Henry, the eldest son, was to have the 
house, called the Draggon, and two shops thereunto adjoining all 
in Colnbrook. This was very likely the store or place of 
business, where the son might continue in trade as his father's 
successor. David was to receive 200/ on his reaching the age of 
one and twenty, and also at the death of the mother to have the 
old homestead in Colnbrook. Wife Bridget and son Henry were 
named as executors. It was also decided that he should learn a 
trade, and in accordance with the custom of that period, he was 
bound out for a term of seven years to acquire the art of a 
tailor. Having served his apprenticeship with Mr. Nathaniel 
Weston, and reached the appointed age, he received the munifi- 
cent gift from his father's estate, and established himself in the 
city of London as a merchant tailor. As the home of his youth 
was but a very few miles from Windsor, where the Rev. Dr. William 
Wilson preached, and also situated on the main road between 
that noted place and the great metropolis, we may imagine that 
David had met and early made the acquaintance of the Rev. 
Doctor's daughter Margaret. They may have been brought 
together at the village school, or at the home of David's father, 
he being a man of wealth and social standing in the neighborhood. 



The Wilson family may have been in the habit of calling at the 
merchant's house, as they must have frequently made trips between 
Windsor and London. But it matters little at this writing how 
the first interview was brought about. The facts are that David 
took the minister Wilson's daughter Margaret to wife and estab- 
lished a home in the great city of London. But that happy l|ome 
was soon to be despoiled of its charm. Within a few short years 
the husband and father died, leaving his sorrowing widow, as 
David's mother had been left, with two small children. 

By reading the will of David Rawson, father of the Secretary, 
we learn that .he was born in Colnbrook, Buckinghamshire, and at 
the date of the execution of that instrument, was a citizen, and 
merchant tailor of London ; also that he left three children, two 
sons and a daughter, namely, William, Edward, and Dorothy. 
This Edward became the Secretary. David had apparently been 
successful in business, leaving what might be considered a large 
estate for his time, and much wisdom and thoughtfulness was 
displayed in its distribution. 

He named as overseers, Thomas Woodward, Esq., his step- 
father ; his brother, Henry Rawson ; brothers -in-law, Dr. Edmond 
Wilson, and Rev. John Wilson, the latter afterwards known as 
minister of the first church in Boston, Mass. The body of the 
will was drawn June 15, 1616. On the 2 7th of November, in the 
year following, a codicil was added, in which the daughter 
Dorothy was mentioned. Within the next three months the 
father died, and the will was proved by the widow Margaret, 25 
February, 1617.* A few years later the widow married William 
Taylor of London, a haberdasher or dealer in small wares such as 
ribbons, tapes, etc. Col. Chester tells us in the Genealogy of the 
Taylor Family, prepared by him for Mr. P. A. Taylor, that they 
were married previous to March 23, 1624, for on that day a post- 
nuptial settlement was dated. 

By this marriage she had three children : Edmond Taylor, the 
eldest, who became a gentleman given to intellectual pursuits, was 

*At that date the year began in the month of March. 



19 

a prominent non-conformist, received in the year 1655 from 
Oliver Cromwell the ap])ointment of Rector of Littleton, and 
was for a time imprisoned for the part he took in the Monmouth 
Rebellion ; he resided in Witham, Essex. A daughter, Margaret 
Taylor, married 28 January 1640-41, William Webl), a grocer in 
London. The other child, Hannah, married Robert Clarkson, or 
Claxton, citizen and merchant draper of London ; marriage 
articles dated r)ec. 22, 1646. 

The mother died previous to January i, 1628, and Mr. William 
Taylor, her last husband, died 29 June, 165 i, at Hackney, where 
he was buried on the 8th day of July following. He left a very 
large estate, valued then at 4000/ (equal to $40,000 now), and 
gave among other gifts 800/ to each of his daughters, Mrs. Webb 
and Mrs. Clarkson. There are no persons by the name of 
Rawson mentioned in his will. 

Margaret, the mother of Secretary Rawson, was daughter of 
Rev. William Wilson, D. 1)., of Merton College, Oxford, Preben- 
dary of St. Paul's and Rochester Cathedrals. He held the 
rectory of Cliffe in the County of Kent, and in the year 1584 
became Canon of St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle ; sister 
to Edmond Wilson, M. D., of London, who, about the year 1633, 
gave one thousand pounds sterling to the Colony of Massachu- 
setts Eay ; and the Rev. John Wilson, minister of the first church 
in Boston ; also grand-niece of Edmond Grindall, D. D., Arch- 
bishop of Canterbury.* It would be exceedingly interesting to 
the descendants of the Secretary, could they have a complete 
history of his early life while in London with his mother, or at 
Windsor with his grandparents. The early death of his father, 
Edward being less than two years of age at the time, may have 
m.aterially changed the course marked out for the young child. 
Rut surrounded as he was by relatives and friends, enjoying the 
benefits of education, and occupying high positions in life, it is 
fair to presume that abundant opijortunity was given the youth 
to acquire a reasonable education and lay the foundation for a 
comparatively useful life. 

* Rev. William Wilson, D. D., married Isabel Woodhall, daughter of 
Elizabeth, a sister of Edmund Grindall, Archbishop of Canterbury. 



20 

It does not appear whether or not he had the advantages of a 
collegiate course, but it is plainly apparent that he was well quali- 
fied to occupy with credit, the many prominent positions of trust 
that in after years fell to his lot. At the time of the publication 
of the Memorial of the Rawson Family, it was supposed that 
Gillingham, Dorsetshire, England, was the birthplace of our 
Secretary, but June 15, 16 16, David Rawson, his father, records 
himself as a citizen and merchant tailor of London. 

He evidently had been located there a sufficient length of time 
to establish his citizenship, and as Edward at that date was but 
fourteen months old, we may reasonably infer that he was born in 
London. 

The mother was left with ample means for the maintenance of 
herself and family, and being a woman of culture and refined 
tastes, she, no doubt, devoted all her energy to the careful training 
of her little ones. 

At the death of the mother the subject of our sketch was about 
thirteen years of age. Whether the youth remained in the family 
of Mr. Taylor, or was cared for by the Wilsons, does not appear. 
Two years later, however, the uncle, Rev. John Wilson, decided 
to accept the invitation to remove to New England, arriving at 
Salem, Massachusetts, in the year 1630. Within four years 
from his departure for New England, the other uncle, Edmond 
Wilson, M. D., died. One uncle, Henry Rawson, a brother of 
his father, still remained, residing at the old homestead in 
Colnbrook, and here young Edward may have passed a few 
years while attending school. 

When John Endicott, the founder of the Colony of Massachu- 
setts, made his adventurous trip with his little company of 
associates to the shores of New England, Edward Rawson was 
but a lad of tender years. No doubt he had listened with thorough 
boyish curiosity to the thrilling stories as they fell from the lips of 
relatives and friends much older than himself, who felt a special 
interest in the venture, while they repeated in his presence the 
numerous reports that came to the people of London and Wind- 
sor, of the trials and privations of the little colony in their 



2 I 

new home, or expressions of inestimable joy and satisfaction at 
feeling themselves fairly Ix-yond the restraint of a tyrannical and 
uncompromising government. 

It was natural that such stories should make lasting impres- 
sions on the youth's mind, and two years later, when his uncle, 
Rev. John ^Vilson, toolv his departure for the new country, the 
child must have felt a singularly deep sense of interest in that 
then, to him, far-away spot, and he may have then wished in his 
boyish fancy that at some future day his eyes might rest upon that 
promised land, and his feet press its virgin soil. The deep 
affection he felt for this uncle, who seemed to him quite like a 
father, must have also served as a loadstone to attract his attention 
westward across the Atlantic. 

He next appears to us in the town of GilHngham, Dorsetshire, 
at the home of Mr. Richard Perne, whose daughter Rachel he 
married. For a brief time the young couple made their home in 
Gillingham. Their first child was born here. Whether Mr. Perne 
lived to witness the marriage of his daughter, or not, we cannot say. 
He died April ii or 12, 1636, leaving a will executed April 10, in 
which he named Edward Rawson as one of the overseers, and 
his wife, Rachel, to be executrix. 

Within two years after the death of Mr. Perne, Edward Raw- 
son, with his young wife, left Old England for America, arriving 
at Newbury, we believe, in the year 1637. April 19, 1638, when 
but twenty-three years of age, he was chosen Public Notary and 
Register for that Town, and was annually reelected until 1647. 
Many other public trusts and responsible duties were laid upon 
him by the people of Newbury. As early as the year 1638, he 
was one of the Deputies to represent the Town at the General 
Court, and was reelected for nearly all the successive years to 22 
May, 1650, at which time he was chosen Secretary of the Massa- 
chusetts Bay Colony, which office he continued to hold for 
thirty-six years. 

Mr. Rawson took his seat as representative from Newbury at the 
May session, 1638, being the youngest member of that honorable 
body. In those days the conveniences for traveling to and from 



22 

Newbury and Boston were quite different from what they are at 
the present day. Then the journey was made generally either 
on foot or horseback, and the traveler was subject to more or 
less delays by the way^ as we may see. On the 8th of June 
following, he, with several other Deputies were fined five shillings 
each, for being absent when Court was called. Edward Converse, 
the ferryman, appeared at the bar and answered for Mr. Rawson's 
tardiness, and was ordered to pay his fine, and be more careful 
in the future to have boats manned and in readiness to carry people 
over the ferry more promptly. Sept. 6, he was appointed by the 
General Court, Commissioner for the Town of Newbury, and also 
one of a committee, with Bradstreet and Winthrop, to settle the 
plantation of Winnicumet, afterwards called Hampton, N. H. ; 
also appointed one of a committee to levy rates or taxes for the 
Colony. 

During subsequent years Mr. Rawson served frequently upon 
the committee to levy rates, at one time receiving 25 per cent, for 
collecting customs due the country on wines. June 18, 1645, 
chosen Clerk of the House of Deputies. Oct. 15, he was one of 
of a committee to investigate and collect a debt due the country 
from Mr. Downing and Nehemiah Bourne. 6th of May, 1646, to 
look after matters at Hampton and at Salisbury, a petition having 
been presented from some of the inhabitants of the latter place to 
be a distinct church ; and with Samuel Dudley and Edward Carle- 
ton, to lay out the bounds of Exeter ; to end small causes at Newbury. 
Nov. 4th of the same year, to examine with the Secretary and see 
whether or no the Acts of the Court were fairly transcribed to the 
mind of the Court, and commissioned to see people joined in 
marriage in Newbury, and given twenty marks expenses for Clerk 
of the House of Deputies. March, 1647-8, in company with Mr. 
Hill, to make a review of the Books of Laws, compare amend- 
ments, etc. Oct. 27, 1647, i^^ w^s appointed with Captain 
Wiggin,* to settle the estate of William Walderne, a bankrupt 

*Capt. Thomas Wiggin came to New England invested with authority 
from Lords Say and Brook, to act as Agent for the settlement at Pascataqua. 
He made tlie voyage in the ship James, arriving at Salem Oct. 10, 1633. 



debtor, apparently of Dover. May 15, 1649, appointed with Mr. 
Bellingham, Nowell and Hill, to examine the writings left by Gov. 
John Winthro}), and jnit them in proper order ; very likely the 
Journal of Gov. Winthrop that was afterwards published, may 
have been among the papers referred to. Oct. 14, 165 1, 
appointed Recorder, in place of Mr. Aspenwall, who had been 
suspended. On petition of Elizabeth, Relict of the late Adam 
Winthro}), deceased, Mr. Rawson, Thomas Clark and Richard 
Davenport, were appointed, Oct. 19, 1652, guardians over Adam 
Winthrop, Jr., to care for his education and estate. Nine days 
later chosen overseer of the estate of Captain Bozoone Allen, 
deceased. June 7, 1653, appointed with Richard Bellingham, 
Thomas Wiggin and Daniel Dennison, to investigate matters to 
the eastward. The inhabitants at Wells were a little loth to conduct 
themselves wholly under the rules and regulations laid down by 
the Colony, and the object of sending this commission of which 
Mr. Rawson was chosen Secretary, was to soothe the discordant 
spirits and generate harmony of feeling, and action between the 
people of Wells and the authorities of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. 
The mission was fruitful of good results. May 6, 1657, Mr. Rawson 
was appointed attorney to prosecute in behalf of the Colony, a 
suit against Richard Woodey. Oct. 19, 1658, chosen one of the 
Commissioners of Boston. Oct. 21, 1663, an officer to enforce 
the English Navigation Laws, to look after receiving and deliver- 
ing proper papers to the ship masters. 

The stated salary for Mr. Rawson, as Secretary of the Colony 
during the first nine years of his service was twenty pounds per 
annum, a sum that seems rather insigniiicant from our present 
standpoint, yet there seems little doubt but that his labors were 
thoroughly appreciated, and considered at the time reasonably 
rewarded. I'he inhabitants of the country were, as a class, poor 
and unable to pay heavy taxes to support the official representa- 
tives of the Colony. In f:ict, the greater proportion of persons 
in the colony who held public trusts were those who could, by 
means of their own estates, give their time and services to the 
welfare of the Colony, without depending on full remuneration 
for that service. Many of them not only devoted much time, but 



24 

also gave considerable sums of money to help forward the well- 
being of the Colony. 

The following, copied from the records of the Massachusetts 
Bay Colony, will furnish a hint as to what Mr. Rawson did, and 
how his efforts were appreciated: "Oct. i8, 1659. The court, 
considering that the Secretary hath served the Country for many 
years in that place, whose time hath altogether been taken up 
with the weighty occasions of the country, which have been and 
are incumbent on him (the neglect whereof would be an inevi- 
table and great prejudice to the public), and himself oft times 
forced to hire a clerk to help him. which hath cost him some 
years 20/ per annum, and every year spending of his own estate 
a considerable sum beyond what his estate will bear, nor is it for 
the honor of the country that such an officer, so necessary, who 
hath also been found faithful and able in the discharge of the 
trust committed to him, shall want due encouragement, do, 
therefore, order that the present Secretary shall have from the 
eleventh day of May last, the sum of 60/ per annum for his 
salary, to continue yearly until this Court shall order and provide 
some other mete recompense." 

Nor was this the only measure of requital the Court bestowed 
upon the honorable Secretary. Many grants of land, amounting 
in the aggregate to nearly four thousand acres, were from time to 
time assigned to him for certain special services rendered the 
Country. Notwithstanding the fact that the duties of the office 
of Secretary demanded almost his entire time, yet he occasionally 
was required to give attention to matters that were laid upon him 
by his associates or towns-people who evidently believed in his 
ability and trustworthiness to attend to their private business, 
settling estates, etc. He was one of the oveseers of the will of 
Mr. Henry Webb, a rich Boston merchant, also of the will of 
Captain Robert Keayne, a wealthy merchant, one of the founders 
of Massachusetts, and the first commander of that veteran 
organization in Boston known as the Ancient and Honorable 
Artillery Company. Captain Keayne's wife was daughter of Sir 
John Mansfield, and sister to Elizabeth, the wife of Rev. John 
Wilson, uncle to the Secretary and first minister of Boston, and as 



25 

the Captain came from London, he evidently had known Edward 
Rawson from childhood, and it is evidence of his opinion as to 
the character of his lifelong friend that he was willing to place in 
his hands the distribution of his valuable estate. 

To every person who has had occasion to examine the early 
records of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the name of Edward 
Rawson must be thoroughly familiar. His constancy and faith- 
fulness as clerk is distincdy apparent, while His plain, legible 
style of penmanship brings at once a sense of relief and satisfac- 
tion to all its readers. So thoroughly were his efforts and 
chirography appreciated that he was early styled an "eloquent 
inditer." 

Mr. Rawson may have possessed peculiarities and individualities, 
but even by the light of the present day, after making due 
allowance for his time, the record he has left behind of services 
rendered will bear comparison with many other of the workers 
during those early and trying experiences in the life of the Colony. 

Dr. Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, of Boston, the antiquary who com- 
piled for publication the early records of the Massachusetts Bay 
Colony, says in his introduction or preface to that work, " Of all 
the secretaries of this Colony, none surpassed Mr. Rawson in 
peculiarities of chirography, and in the use of similar forms for 
different letters. He had various ways of writing the letters e 
and ;-, very often writing them in such a careless manner that 
nothing but the context could possibly lead to the discovery of 
his intentions. In the use of the letters n, u, c, and / and c, and 
/, he was equally faulty. In a few instances the peculiar style of 
writing used by Secretary Rawson, such as the condensation of 
two letters into one, and by an extra stroke of the pen the making 
of one letter assume the appearance of two has not been followed. 
Several of the most common instances are the use of an m for 
n?t, as Pemiman for Penniman, and an ?n, for an ;/, as Haimes for 
Hines. He seems to have adopted a style of contractions or 
contracted expressions, or half spelled words." 

The Doctor, perhaps, did not intend this so much in the sense 
of a criticism upon the handwriting of Mr. Rawson, as he did to 

4 



26 

express or describe his individuality, and the distinctive features 
of his chirography. For there is scarcely to be found a manu- 
script two hundred years or more of age that will not exhibit some 
special characteristic or peculiar trait of the person who wrote it, 
especially if he were a person capable of originality, or possessed 
any force of character. Many of these peculiarities or variations 
in chirography may be accounted for by the fact that the various 
writers were schooled or educated amid different surroundings 
and in various parts of Great Britain. Each county in England 
possesses its own peculiar style of expressions by words, and as 
the sound of words differ in the several localities, so the arrange- 
ment of letters are varied to express those sounds. 

Persons who have been engaged in looking up antique 
genealogical data will, if they have had much experience, recall 
the various spellings of the same patronymic. It is, perhaps, no 
wonder that with the vast amount of inditing that Secretary 
Rawson found to do, he should adopt certain abreviations or 
contractions for the purpose of saving time and labor. But his 
plain, bold style of penmanship has called forth repeated 
expressions highly complimentary to him. 

Having been continued in offlce by annual elections so many 
successive terms shows that aside from his fitness for the position 
he must have been a person of pleasing address, void of guile, 
reliable both in character and deportment. 

Col. Joseph L. Chester, in his Genealogy of the Taylor family, 
referring to Secretary Rawson, says, " He became one of the most 
important men in New England. The only blot on his memory 
was his being among the most forward and relentless of the 
persecutors of the Quakers, a fact owing perhaps partly to his 
official position, but which also shows that in spite of his great 
abilities and his otherwise irreproachable career, he could not es- 
cape the popular fanaticism of the time." 

By the fact that Mr. Rawson, so soon after arriving at Newbury 
and taking the Freeman's oath, \tas among other public trusts. 
Commissioner for the Trial of Causes, Reviser of the Laws, etc., 
we may reasonably conclude that he possessed considerable 



27 

knowledge of the law. This he may have acquired in the office of 
Thomas Woodward, Esq., of Lincoln's Inn, second husband of 
his grandmother. 

On the news reaching Boston of the death of Charles II., and 
orders having been received to proclaim James II. King, prepara- 
tions were made to perform the ceremony with the usual pomp 
and display customary on such occasions, and on Monday, April 
20, 16S5, surrounded by the Governor and assistants, all on horse- 
back, with thousands of people and eight foot companies, amid 
the beating of drums, sounding of trumpets, and the discharge of 
musketry and cannon, the Proclamation was announced by Mr. 
Edward Rawson. 

The Secretary was certainly a prominent character in the early 
history of New England, and the value of his services can 
hardly be over-estimated. Almost from the moment he set foot 
on American soil, he devoted his time and energy to the further- 
ance of the best interests of the Town and Colony in which he 
sought to found a home, and that service was only concluded 
through the radical change in the government caused l:)y the 
usurpation of Sir Edmund Andros. 

Few if any of the early colonists came of better parent 
stock dian the subject of this sketch. Few of them were better 
fitted by mental, moral and social training than he to take hold of 
and carry forward the difficult task of shaping and conducting 
the course of an infant colony. Of a goodly family, affable, 
genial, courteous in manner and speech, upright and honorable in 
all his private dealings, watchful of and faithful in the discharge 
of every public trust, never swerving from what he considered his 
direct line of duty, ofttimes through his generosity contributing 
from his personal estate for the advancement of public service, 
and reared amid the advantages of wealth, culture and refinement, 
Edward Rawson was well qualified by nature and education to 
become a valuable colleague if not a leader in the young colony. 
That he possessed considerable knowledge of the law in addition 
to a strongly defined character, is assured to us by the fact that so 
many matters of great significance were entrusted to him, the 



28 

successful discharge of which duty required just such quahfica- 
tions. He bore the honorable title of "gentleman," and no spot 
on the record seems to indicate that the honor was misplaced. 

He is believed to have been connected with the authorship of 
two books, one a folio, published in the year 1660, entitled "The 
General Laws and Liberties Concerning the Inhabitants of the 
Massachusetts," etc., the other, "The Revolution in New England 
Justified," published in 1691. A portion of the old farm in 
Newbury where the Secretary first resided has for more 
than two hundred years borne the apellation of " Rawson's 
Meadow." The old house, with but few changes, including the 
ravages of time, was a few years since still standing a silent 
witness to the joys and sorrows, struggles, discomforts and priva- 
tions attending the first dozen years of the family in America. 

Mr. Rawson sold this house with forty acres of upland and ten 
acres of meadow, to William Pilsbury, of Dorchester, Dec. 13, 
165 1, for 100/. Soon after removing to Boston, Mr. Rawson 
purchased of Mr. Theodore Atkinson, January 30, 1653, two and 
one-half acres of land, on which stood a cottage or tenement, 
with numerous out-buildings and a garden, including a generous 
supply of fruit trees. The place had formerly been the property 
of Mr. William Aspenwall, and evidently bore the air of a 
pretentious family residence. 

This lot was situated between the "street going to Roxbury" 
on the east, and the Common on the west. A few years after 
making this purchase, Mr. Rawson opened a street through this 
land which was regularly named and known as "Rawson's Lane" 
from 1670 until about 1 748, when the name was changed to 
Bromfield's Lane, afterwards Bromfield Street. 

Fifty-five years had intervened since the death of the Secretary 
and with the change of population and lapse of time, the old 
associations had somewhat lost their charm. The old was to be 
put aside for the new, this time the object being to record an 
expression of esteem for Justice Edward Bromfield, whose resi- 
dence was situated on " Rawson's Lane." The " street going to 
Roxbury " was afterwards named " Malborough street," and still 



29 

later changed to Washington street, and Tremont street now 
divides the tract of land, once the home of Secretary Ravvson, 
from the Common. There were several out-buildings upon this 
estate, but the mansion, or dwelling house was situated on the 
north side of "Rawson's Lane," standing back some distance 
from, and fronting on the " Broad street going to Roxbury." 
Surrounding the family mansion was a choice garden, well 
supplied with fruit-bearing trees, the whole enclosed by a fence. 
This mansion, with certain out-buildings, including about one acre 
of land, Mr. Rawson sold, Oct. 25, 1670, to Capt. John Pinchon, 
of Springfield,* for 1050/., New England money. A number of 
small lots were also disposed of to various purchasers, aggregating 
in value 1158/, New England money. 

May 6, 1674, Edward and Rachel Rawson deeded a lot 56x60, 
feet, square to their "now eldest son, William." May 23, 1676, 
they presented him with another lot, 32x83 feet, square. It was 
very likely upon one of these lots that the dry goods store of 
W^illiam Rawson was located, and where for several years he 
conducted that business. 

The Secretary must have built another residence upon some of 
the land remaining in his possession ; for, from a note found in 
Mr. Samuel Sewell's diary, it appears that Mr. Rawson had care- 
fully preserved the " Massachusetts books and papers at his 
house," and on Saturday, March 5, 1686-7, his house was visited 
by Justices Lynde and Bullivant, and the books and papers above 
referred to taken by them to the Town House. 

Mr. Rawson was fully in sympathy with the inhabitants of 
Massachusetts, in their decided opposition to the management of 
that unwelcome and contemptible trio, Andros, Dudley and 
Randolph. His thorough knowledge of public affairs gave him 
an opportunity to anticipate the serious harm that might come to 
the people of New England were they to be curtailed in or 
deprived of their Charter privileges. He took a firm stand in the 
interest of the people, and for their convenience, held in his 

*Only son of William Pinchon (or Fynchon), Esq., of Springfield. Was 
Representative, afterwards Major, Assistant and Councillor. 



30 

personal custody the books and papers, it may be with the avowed 
purpose of preventing, so far as he reasonably could, their going 
into the hands of either Dudley, Andros or Randolph. This 
yielding up of the State Documents to the justices, was, we believe, 
the closing act in his long and valuable career as a public servant. 
Edward Rawson's wife, Rachel, died before October ii, 1677. 
He died August 27, 1693. The names of their children and 
births are as follows : — 

NAME. BORN. BAPTISED. DIED. 

Rachel, 1636. 

Edward, 1638. 

Mary Perne, May 14, 1640. 

David, May 6, 1644. 

Grindal, ]^^'^y 23, 1649. young. 

William, May 21, 1651. May 25, 1651. 

Hannah, Oct., 1653. Oct. 16, 1653. May 27, 1656. 

Rebecca, Oct. 19, 1654. Oct. 29, 1654. 

Rebecca, May 21, 1656. May 26, 1656. 

Elizabeth, Nov. 12, 1657. Nov. 25, 1657. 

Grindal, J^"'y 23, 1659. Jan'y 30, 1659. 

John, 1661. July 14, 1661. 

About twenty years after the marriage in England of Secretary 
Rawson, Widow Rachel Perne died, leaving a will bearing date 
March 31, 1656, and proved the 13th of November following. By 
this instrument we learn that at the time of her death she was in 
possession of a living in the Parish of GiUingham, Dorsetshire, 
called Easthaimes, by lease granted under the hand and seal of 
William Lord Stowerton, or Stourton, during the reign of King 
Charles I.* This lease, which included several other valuable 
pieces of land located in the same vicinity, was to hold for 
ninty-nine years from date. She made her son, John Perne, 
executor, and gave her daughter, Rachel Rawson, in New Eng- 
land, forty pounds. Mrs. Rawson's grandfather, John Hooker, 
was uncle to Rev. Thomas Hooker, that celebrated Divine who 

* Will dated Oct. 12, 12th year of the reign of Charles I. 



31 

was pastor of the church in Newtown, Mass., and Hartford, Conn. 
Widow Perne's maiden name appears to have been Green. 

To show the manhness of the Secretary and his disposition to 
carry out so far as possible, certain promises made by him, we 
would refer to a deed given in trust to Thomas Danforth et al. 
The document is recorded in Lib. III., pages 413, 414 and 415 
of Suffolk Deeds. By this instrument we learn that Edward 
Rawson was to receive with the hand of Rachel Perne, three 
hundred pounds, as a marriage portion, from Richard Perne, her 
father, and that .Mr. Rawson was to add six hundred pounds from 
his own funds to that sum, and with the nine hundred pounds 
purchase lands, which estate was by jointure to have been setded 
on his wife, so that in the event of his early demise (as had been 
the case with Edward's father and grandfather, a precaution well 
taken) the widow, Rachel, might be properly cared for. Mr. 
Perne, however, died before completing his part of the agreement, 
and Mr. Rawson very soon resolved to remove with his wife and 
children to New England, at which time he gave his word to his 
mother Perne, that, upon payment by her of the remaining 
portion of the three hundred pounds, he would make over, in 
houses and lands in New England for the benefit of his wife and 
her heirs by him, the value of the said three hundred pounds. 

Now on the 21st day of December, 1660, having some eigh- 
teen years previous received the money from Mrs. Perne, he executes 
a mortgage deed of his homestead to Thomas Danforth, Edmond 
Batter and Samuel Torrey, as friends, in trust for the use of his 
wife, Rachel, in case of his decease, the same being valued at 
three hundred pounds. This was the same property he purchased 
of Theodore Atkinson about seven years previous, paying therefor 
one hundred and eighty pounds, showing the increase in the value 
of real estate during that number of years to have been quite 
marked, although he had made considerable improvement in the 
way of buildings, etc., the amount of which we cannot judge. 

It was provided, however, in this agreement that during Mr. 
Rawson's life he might sell or dispose of this property, provided 
always that he placed other sufficient security in its stead in the 



32 

hands of said trustees. It was also provided that at any time 
during the life of Mr. Rawson,he might, or at his death his execu- 
tors or administrators might release this property by paying two 
hundred and fifty pounds in good current pay equivalent to 
money, into the hands of said trustees, together with a certain 
list of articles, valued at fifty pounds. As the articles named give 
some idea of the style in which the family lived at that time, we 
will insert the list here. 

The two best feather beds ; two best boulsters ; two best pillows 
and pillow beers of the finest Holland ; four pair best sheets ; two 
of the best rugs, and two blankets ; the best red serge curtains 
and valiants ; ye needle work cushon and table cloth ; six leather 
chairs ; ye best lookingglass and my great bible ; my silver 
tankard ; silver bowl and wine bowl and seven silver spoons ; my 
watch ; my cupboard and case of drawers ; my great kettle of 
brass ; brass pot and iron pot ; one pair tongs and fire pan ; one 
spitt : one skillett ; the best trunk ; my best beaver hat. 

On the loth day of May, 1664, by mutual consent, another 
deed was executed to the trustees to take the place of the one 
previously given. 

Notwithstanding the fact that Secretary Rawson at one time was 
the owner of a large property, consisting of some six thousand 
acres of land, on a portion of which were valuable improvements, 
situated in and out of Boston, yet, when the time came to settle 
his estate, so much of the property had previously been distributed 
among the heirs, or dispensed in some form or other, that the 
portion remaining in his name was not sufficient to pay his debts 
in full. At the time of his death he was doubtless making his 
home with his son William, at Dorchester. 

* Letters of Administration granted unto William Rawson, on 
the estate of his father, Edward Rawson, late of Boston, Gent. 
Deceased. 

William Stoughton, Esq., commissionated by his Excy, Sir 
William Phips, K"' Captain General and Governour in Chief in and 

* Suffolk Probate Records, Vol. XIII, 323. 



over their Maj'"'** Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New 
England, with the advise and consent of the council for the grant- 
ing of Probate of Wills and Pettt;rs of Administration within the 
County of Suffolk, etc. To William Rawson, son of Edward 
Rawspn, late of Boston, within the said County, Gent Deceased. 
Intestate, Creeting. Trusting in your care and fidelity, I do, by 
these presents, commit unto you full power to administer all and 
singular, the goods, chattels, rights and credits of the said 
deceased, and well and faithfully to dispose of the same according 
to law, and also to ask, gather, levy, recover and receive all and 
whatsoever credits of the said Deceased, which to him while he 
lived, and at the time of his death did appertain. And to pay all 
debts in which the deceased stood bound, so (nr as his goods 
chattels, rights and credits of the said Deceased. And to exhibit 
the same unto the Registers office of the aforesaid County 
of Suffolk, at or before the forth day of April next ensuing, and 
to render a plain and true account of your said administration 
upon oath, at or before the forth day of January 1694-5. And I 
do, by these presents, ordain, constitute and appoint you admin- 
istrator of all and singular the goods, chatels, rights and credits 
aforesaid. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the 
seal of the said office. Dated at Boston, the forth day of 
January, 1693-4. 

WILLIAM STOUGHTON. 

IsA. Addington, Reg., Esq. 



Dorchester, 2d Feby, 1693-4. 
An inventory taken of the goods and estate of Mr. Ed 
Rawson, late deceased, which are now in the hands of William 
Rawson, administrator, is as followeth, viz : — 

Imps. 740 acres of wast land lying betwixt Medfield 

and Mendon, 3700* 

It one bed and bedding, with appertences, 460 

" wearing apparel both woolen and linen, 566 

* Valued at aljout twenty-five cents an acre. j 



34 

" an old skreen with other small lumber, o ^ 6 

" Plate, buttons and buckles, lo 6 

" three old books, two sachells, a p'' spectacles, 8 8 

pr. John Wilson, James Bracket, 47 15 2 
what is in my bro, Grindall's hands as by a/c Df the 

particulars, by him valued 380 



Total, 51 3 2 

WILLIAM RAWSON. 

Appeared and made oath to its accuracy before William Stough- 
ton, Boston, February 21, 1694-5.* 

William Rawson represented that he finds the estate insolvent, 
and Sampson Sheafe, merchant, Benjamin Walker and Thomas 
Banister, shop keepers, all of Boston, were appointed by William 
Stoughton, on April 6, 1695, commissioners to receive and examine 
all claims against the estate and report list of the same to Mr. 
Stoughton, at Register office, that due proportion may be distrib- 
uted on the claims as the estate will pay.f 



John Edward Lynch was admitted an active 
member of the Society. 

The Librarian reported 13 volumes, 30 pamph- 
lets, 41 papers, 5 pictures, and 6 other articles, as 
the additions for the month. 

Mr. F. P. Rice, in behalf of Hon. Eli Thayer, 
presented a book written in 1854 by Rev. Edward 
Everett Hale, entitled " Kanzas and Nebraska," 

♦Suffolk Probate Records, Vol. XIII., 556. 
t Suffolk Probate Records, Vol. XIII., 578. 



35 

and bearing the following" autograph inscription by 
Mr. Hale : To Eli lliaycr, tJic Founder of Kansas, 
with tJic regards of E. E. Hale. 
The meeting was then adjourned. 



Regular meeting, Tuesday evening, February i. 

Present : Messrs. Abbot, Barrows, Blake, Crane, 
Cutler, Dickinson, Gould, C. Jillson, Lynch, G. and 
M. A. Maynard, Meriam, Lee, Otis, F. P. Rice, 
W. A. Smith and E. M. Wood, members ; E. J. 
Rockwood and Morse, visitors. — 19. 

The Librarian reported 5 books, 19 pamphlets, 
75 papers, 6 pictures, and 4 articles for the Museum 
as the gifts for the month. 

Mr. U. W. Cutler then read the following paper: 



36 



INDIANS AND EUROPEANS : 

A Paper based upon Ellis, Parkman and Others. 

BY U. W. CUTLER. 

Some one, writing upon history in general, said of tiie present — 
"It is the sum of all man ever was and all man ever did." For 
myself, I like to modify this mathematical figure, and to think 
of the present as the last term of a geometrical series, into which 
every past age enters as a factor. To study this series, to find 
any term, its number of terms, its ratio — to observe the capacities 
and opportunities of the primitive races, to recognize the various 
stages of human progress, and the motives and influences and 
tendencies which have been leading mankind upward and onward, 
is the fascinating duty of the student of history. 

We study in the genealogical tables the virtues and surround- 
ings of our ancestors, to better know our own characters ; we 
review our local or our national history, to form wise opinions 
upon the burning questions of our own day ; we follow the 
development of trade or manufacture, to learn to successfully 
employ the boundless resources this nineteenth century affords. 

The true student of the past is emphatically a man of the 
present in his sympathies and his interests. The application of all 
historical knowledge is to present problems, present needs, pres- 
ent opportunities. 

Thus exalted is the aim of The Society of Antiquity ; thus 
inspiring the line of its work. 

In the spirit of the above comparison, this paper seeks to throw 
light upon present Indian questions, by reflecting that gathered 
from past relations between civilized and uncivilized races in 
America. 



37 

Europeans, landing for the first time on these western shores, 
found the land already peopled. Who are you? Where do you 
come from? are questions which the white man has been asking 
the red man ever since that October day, now almost four 
centuries ago. They were questions which the wild, careless, 
unreflective children of nature had never thought to ask them- 
selves ; they had no name by which to call their race, and no 
traditions, going back more than one or two generations, from 
which to learn of their origin. The Spaniards, believing they 
had found what they so much wished to find — a westerly route 
to India — named the natives Indians, the name by which they 
will probably always be known, though the French, who soon 
followed up the explorations, never adopted it, always calling 
the natives " The Savages." 

In time explorers learned that India was still to the westward, 
and for a hundred years the American continent, which has been 
giving homes to all the homeless, and food to all the hungry for 
the remaining three centuries since the discovery, was regarded 
simply as a small obstacle to be surmounted, a narrow barrier to 
be broken down, that the coveted riches of India might be 
secured. And so the Spaniards rushed from the Atlantic across 
Darien to the kindlier Pacific, but no direct waterway did they 
find. Farther to the north the Dutch, and French, and English, 
attempted the Hudson, the St. Lawrence, and Hudson's Bay, 
only to be repulsed. And ever since, the most venturesome of all 
countries have been vainly hammering away at polar ice, with the 
same end in view, leaving their names to islands, bays and head- 
lands, as monuments to defeated hopes. And now the French, 
with not a foot of land left them to preserve the traditions of all 
they have spent and suffered here, are still eager to accomplish 
the purpose of twelve generations, and through their enterprise 
and their capital hope to open the Panama Canal, the long 
desired, long sought short waterway to India. No new idea, to 
be sure, for Champlain, in 1600, suggested joining the two oceans 
by a ship canal at the Isthmus. 

But why seek for gain by trade with India, when gold can be 
stolen in measureless abundance from terrified savages, or dug from 



38 

the mines by helpless slaves? The heartless Spaniards, no longer 
restrained by the Christian Isabella, and safe under the allpowerful 
arm of the pope, gradually ceased to care for the Indian trade, 
since sweeter juices could be sucked from the fresh, rich new- 
world. And what a record they have left behind them here ! 
What a load of infamy rests upon the breaking back of Spain for 
its cruel, bigoted barbarism, worse than any barbarian is capable 
of practicing, and all under the sanction of the Holy CathoHc 
Church. Since the death of Columbus and his noble patron. 
Queen Isabella, there are but one or two Spanish names — at least 
other than those of the Californian missionaries — mentioned in 
connection with America, which do not make one's blood curdle. 

The word conquest, as employed in American History — the 
conquest of Peru, the conquest of Mexico — is reserved for the 
Spanish plundering, despoiling, devouring. And what has become 
of the untold riches which the Spaniards wrung from the hands 
of the innocent, untaught natives ? Spain is no greater, and the 
world is no better for all that Philip II. spent in torturing 
protestants, checking Dutch enterprise, and enslaving the Spanish 
Netherlands. 

If the Indian could be made of use to the Spaniard, he was 
reduced from his native condition of proud independence of 
labor for his daily food, to one of most abject slavery; if not, 
he was trodden under foot and most ruthlessly stamped out of 
existence. Subjection, slavery, or even death, at the hand of 
Christians, was better than freedom or life as heathen. They 
came too early, perhaps, to understand and to apply to the wild 
men whom they conquered, a broader Christianity. 

"Spanish civilization crushed the Indian," says Parkman. 
" English civilization scorned and neglected him ; French 
civilization embraced and cherished him." Much is said, with 
truth, we are bound to acknowledge, concerning the wrongs of 
the red men at the hand of the English colonists, and the American 
government ; but if the colonists were unjust and sometimes 
cruel, the Spanish invaders were infamous and barbarous. The 
shadows of the middle ages are reluctant to leave the Iberian 



39 

Peninsula. The reign of Isabella and her less noble consort, was 
but a lightning flash, after which the shadows closed down again 
more gloomy than before, because of the momentary revelation 
of a brighter condition, a broader civilization. Facilities for 
enjoying and using the light were increased ; Mohammedanism 
had been expelled and Spain reunited ; but except in an occa- 
sional, fitful flash, or pale gleam, the light itself had not appeared 
there in the sixteenth century, if, indeed, it has to any great 
extent in the nineteenth. 

The French were but few years behind the Spanish in explor- 
ing the wonderful land of America. Bluff old Francis I., so 
jealous of the great power of his imperial rival, had no faith in 
the validity of Adam's will, conferring all that was then most rich 
and fruitful upon his Most Catholic Brother of Spain ; and he was 
anxious for his share in this western continent, the only new 
world the earth has had, or will have to open out to mankind. 

Ribault's Huguenot colony on the coast of what is now South 
Carolina, and Fort Caroline, on the St. Mary's, failed ; the one 
through lack of true colonizing spirit on the part of its founders ; 
the other, through the utter savagery of the Spaniards, just arrived 
at St. Augustine. But at Port Royal, and a little later at Quebec, 
there was a more persistent purpose. The fur trade drew many 
temporarily to New France, to range through the primeval forests 
and exchange firearms, trinkets, and fire water for skins. Then in 
1625 came the Jesuits, replacing the less zealous Franciscans, who 
already a few years before had made a beginning — or at least an 
attempt — at converting the savage to Christianity. 

The story of the earnest and self-denying efforts of these 
black-robed messengers is a most thrilling one. Truly did French 
civilization embrace and cherish the Indian. These christian 
fathers, unused to hardship and privation, travelled by most 
dangerous and toilsome journeys far into the interior. Accustomed 
to comfortable, quiet convent life, they shared the Indian's 
smoky, filthy, crowded cabin, and the Indian's dish of sagamite, 
or endured with him, if need be, the almost utter lack of food, 
careful only to have at hand a little wheat bread and wine, 
reserved for the holy sacrament alone. Accustomed to social 



40 

converse with friends, they struggled in soHtude to reduce to 
written form the crude Indian language, a language strangely 
lacking in words which they most wanted to use in their moral and 
religious teaching — an agglutinative language as it is called — a 
language with countless prefixes and suffixes, with short words 
attached to the main word, to the utter confusion of the learner ; 
a language of long words, many of which, Cotton Mather said, 
had been growing ever since the confusion of tongues at Babel. 

They followed the savages on their hunting expeditions to learn 
their habits and more perfectly their language ; they doctored 
them when sick, they shared their privations, their tortures and 
their cruel death in war, coveting nothing for themselves but a 
martyr's end. And all this was in order to snatch the Indians 
from eternal ruin, by giving them Christian baptism. They did, 
to an extent, establish schools for the study of the catechism, and 
doubtless the influence of their example did something to soften 
the savage character ; but whether the cruel heart was in the 
least changed or not, whether or not the convert understood any- 
thing of the principles of Christianity, or cared in the least to 
lead a righteous life, — baptised, the principal work of the Jesuits 
was done. 

Their first efforts, extending out from the convent at Quebec, 
were among the wandering Algonquin tribes of Canada. But soon 
they longed to carry their message to the more agricultural, more 
intelligent Hurons around Georgian Bay. Brebeuf, one of the 
most heroic of the martyrs of the cause, a Jesuit belonging to 
a noble English family, was the founder of the mission, and, with 
many of his converts, heroically met his death when the Iroquois, 
in 1649, ^^ ^^^^ scattered and exterminated their immemorial 
enemies. 

The policy of Champlain — the founder of French influence 
in the New World — the "Father of New France" — was to pre- 
serve the balance of power between the ever-warring Indian 
tribes ; and ever after his arquebuse, appearing on the side of the 
Algonquins, struck terror to the hearts of the Iroquois on the 
shores of what has since been called Lake Champlain, these 



41 

Five Nations were the implacable enemies of that unhappy Algon- 
quin race of red men inhabiting all the northern and eastern 
portions of the new country, as well as of the Algonquin's allies, 
the French. Consequently they cultivated friendly relations with 
the Dutch, who soon after appeared in the Hudson, for they 
wanted what civihzation could bring them, if not civilization itself; 
and in the colonial wars, which followed one another in rapid 
succession down to the Peace of Paris, in 1763, they were the 
very useful allies of the English. 

This hostility was fatal to the Jesuit cause among the Iroquois. 
To be sure, some bold spirits did go among them, but the influence 
they gained, if any, was very small, and often the opposition was 
most cruel, and would have overcome any but the stoutest hearts. 
The story of the father Jougues is one of the most thrilling 
among the records of the French missions. Carried south- 
ward from the St. Lawrence as a captive, he endured every sort 
of torture that Iroquois ingenuity could devise, with remarkable 
physical endurance and fortitude. At last he was ransomed by 
the I utch at Albany, and landed on the shores of France. 
Telling his wonderful story, and showing his scarred and mutilated 
hands, he was most warmly received, and was soon sent back to 
Canada for renewed missionary effort and additional suffering. He 
became the agent of the government to go again among these 
most savage of savages, and at last an Indian tomahawk relieved 
from further distress this " lion and lamb " of the missions, 
as Ellis calls him, and gained for him the coveted martyr's 
crown. 

His story is only one of many. They endured the jealousy 
and hate of those whom they were eager to die to save ; they 
suffered the persecution and constant opposition of those 
strange characters, the pow-wows, whose influence among the 
Indians was almost irresistible ; they did not flinch when the 
plague or the small-pox was sweeping away their parishioners ; 
they did not flee when the frightful war-whoop sounded outside the 
palisades. They suffered starvation and privation ; one was 
frozen stiff on his knees in prayer when lost in the snows of a 
Canadian winter ; some were tomahawked, some were shot 
6 



42 

through with arrows ; some were burned ; but there seems to be 
no record of a faint heart or a faltering purpose. They were 
buried in unhallowed ground by some wilderness lake "with stars 
for tapers tall " ; their blood was drunk by barbarians, eager for 
the heroism they manifested ; their dust was mingled with the 
ashes of their burning chapels ; and there is not much to show for 
it all, but a beautiful record of fidelity to what they believed 
right, of persistency of purpose, of bravery, moral courage and 
unwavering faith. 

The inter-tribal wars did far more to reduce the native popula- 
tion than did their wars with Europeans. These often resulted in 
almost entire extermination of once powerful bands, as in the case 
of the Hurons. A little, degenerate company at Lorette on the 
lower St. Lawrence, are all that are left of a powerful people, a 
tribe giving more promise of the peaceable fruits of righteousness 
through Catholic influence, than perhaps any other. With the 
scattering of the Hurons the cause of the Jesuits began to decline 
in America. To be sure, stations were established at Michili- 
mackinac, Green Bay and other places, and Pere Marquette, a 
most devoted and zealous young missionary, won himself undying 
fame, when, in 1673, he ascended the Fox river, dragged his canoe 
over the portage to the Wisconsin, and floated down that- river and 
the Mississippi far enough to satisfy himself that it did not flow 
into the Pacific — the first white man to explore the " Father of 
Waters." 

But now the Jesuits were becoming more desirous of increasing 
the power of their order, and of developing the fur trade, than of 
making the savages converts to the Catholic Church. Though we 
must acknowledge the beneficial influence of the Catholic mission-' 
aries in softening, to a degree, the ferocious Indian nature, yet 
'tis very true that the decline of the Jesuit order was favorable to 
civilization and liberty in the New World. All the Jesuit princi- 
ples, since Loyola, in 1534, established the order, are opposed to 
liberty. 

There is something wonderfully comforting in giving one's self, 
body and mind, one's hopes and ambitions and fears, to the 



43 

control of a system, to be directed into just the channel where 
the individual will do most and be most in the world. But 'tis 
a tremendous power thus put into the hands of a few. The lather 
confessor, the superior, the pope, a power which is almost sure to 
be often misapplied or abused. The fundamental principle of 
unhesitating, unquestioning obedience to the will of the superior is 
directly opposed to freedom of thought or action. The system, 
essentially monarchical as it is in its government, worked exactly 
contrary to the broad democratic idea of liberty, as understood 
in these days and on these shores. 

The name of the Sieur de la Salle stands preiiminent among those 
of the French explorers. His family was one of rank, as the name 
implies. The young man was educated by the Jesuits, but later 
he associated himself more with the Sulpicians of Montreal, and 
consequently incurred the jealousy of the all-powerful Jesuit 
order, and possibly many of the difficulties he encountered in his 
great work were due to their secret opposition. As early as 1670 
his hope was to discover, by way of the Ohio and Mississippi, the 
long sought passage to the Pacific. 'Tis probable that he was the 
discoverer of the Ohio — "Beautiful River" — and the Illinois, but 
to Joliet and Marquette belongs the honor of being the first 
Europeans to launch upon the Mississippi. Perhaps from La Salle's 
failure to reach China, the name La Chine was derisively given on 
his return, to the place near Montreal. 

With Fort Frontenac on Lake Ontario — now strongly fortified 
— as a base of supplies. La Salle proposed a second great expedi- 
tion for the purpose of establishing a chain of forts across the 
country, and of finally reaching the mouth of the Mississippi. 
The fearless, resolute explorer was strangely cold, reserved, 
unsympathetic in his intercourse with men, and he, in consequence, 
made few friends. Perhaps it was the secret hostility of the 
Jesuits, perhaps that of others, repelled by his natural coldness, 
which placed in the way of his success one obstacle after another, 
until any one but La Salle would despair. But over the natives 
he seemed to possess a wonderful power, and to this fact his final 
success is to a considerable extent due. 



44 

Above the Falls of Niagara he succeeded in building a vessel 
— "The Griffin" — the first sailing craft the Great Lakes ever saw. 
With this he sailed up Lake Huron, and in good time reached 
the mouth of what is now known as the St. Joseph, near the 
southern extremity of Lake Michigan. Here Fort St. Joseph was 
to form one link of the chain connecting the explorer with 
civilization. The Griffin returned for supplies for another vessel 
to be built at the head of navigation on the Illinois, and this was 
the last La Salle saw or heard of it. The loss of this vessel upon 
which he so much depended was a severe blow, but he was not 
disheartened. From the banks of the Illinois, where he had now 
founded Fort St. Louis, he started overland on foot back to Fort 
Frontenac. This was a most disheartening journey ; arriving at 
the fort after the extreme toils and privations of the winter soli- 
tudes of the forests, he found his affairs in disorder, his friends 
grown cold and his enemies active. Without the needed supplies he 
returned to Fort St. Louis, to find the friendly Illinois scattered 
by the Iroquois, and his little garrison gone. But no discourage- 
ment overcame him, and at last, in canoes instead of a large 
vessel, he determined to carry out his plan of exploring the 
Mississippi to its mouth. In 1682, he stood on the delta — the 
first white man (unless possibly the Spaniard, de Soto, may have 
reached the point, one hundred and forty years before,) to know 
where the Mississippi floods discharged themselves ; and in the 
name of his king, he took possession of the river and all the 
territory it drained. 

'Tis interesting to trace through the pages of Parkman's most 
fascinating history La Salle's further wanderings, his toilsome 
return up the river, his almost fatal illness on the way, his arrival 
in Canada, return to France, and solicitations at court for means 
with which to carry out his scheme for a colony at the mouth of 
the river he had discovered. Then comes that disastrous expedi- 
tion to convey the colonists to Louisiana by way of the Gulf of 
Mexico. When first at the mouth. La Salle had not been able to 
get the longitude, and consequently now missed his destination, 
and a suffering, starving time on the coast of Texas followed. The 
last survivors escaping starvation or death at the hand of savages. 



45 

are supposed to have fallen under the jealous hate of the Spaniards 
from their colonies farther south. La Salle himself, having set 
out on foot overland to Canada for aid, was villainously 
murdered in the wilderness by some of his companions. Only 
many years later, under Iberville, was French power permanently 
established at the mouth of the Mississipi. 

The French acquired great territory in America, but the foun- 
dations of New France were broader than they were firm. The 
French nature is scarcely calculated to endure the privations and 
hardships of colonial life. The Huguenots, with their religious 
impulse towards independence of thought and action, were by far 
the best colonists, and after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, 
many of these found homes in England and the English Colonies, 
and became a valuable element in their adopted countries. But 
just this class, the most industrious, most temperate and most 
resolute, upon the arrival of the Jesuits, was absolutely excluded 
from Canada. The colonies were composed of noblemen to hold 
the land, hireling laborers with no interest in building up a 
community to work it, soldiers sent by the government to defend 
it from its enemies, missionaries only interested in baptizing, I do 
not say civilizing, the savages, and a crowd of unsettled fur 
traders and adventurers who cared for nothing but to enrich them- 
selves at the expense of the innocent natives, or to lead the life 
of forest rangers entirely free from the restraints of civilization. 

The French in general, by adopting Indian habits of life, 
intermarrying with Indian women, and cultivating Indian familiar- 
ity, lowered themselves to the Indian's level, instead of seeking 
to lift the savages toward that of European civilization. Perhaps 
if French civilization had embraced and cherished the Indian 
less, and had set him an exami^le of industry and thrift, which to 
the Puritans were of quite as much importance as religion, or 
rather were essential elements in religion, the red men would be 
at least one stage farther on that long road from barbarism up to 
enlightened Christ ian manhood. 

Soldiers, priests and noblemen — these are not the elements for 
building up a healthy frontier colony. Is it any wonder that at 



46 

the Peace of Paris all the territory east of the Mississippi became 
English ? 

The contrast between the French colonies in Canada and the 
neighboring English colonies is most striking. One is all 
head, the other all body. One is best represented by the sword, 
the other by the ploughshare. One is composed of priests, 
soldiers and nobles, the other of common people. The society 
of one was based upon feudalism, of the other on democracy. 
The religion of one was Popery, of the other Protestantism. 
In one we find the gentleman preeminent, in the other the 
Puritan farmer. In one there is the fur trader, in the other 
the agriculturist and navigator. In one there is scattered 
enterprise, in the other compact progress. In the one there is 
the decline towards barbarism, in the other progress in skill 
and increase of wealth. The French came for gain or ad- 
venture, and the names they gave to towns and rivers are almost 
their only monument ; the English came for homes, and to that 
race almost all of the North American continent has been ceded. 

The story of the growth of the English Colonies, their gradual 
but irresistible westward progress, their increasing difficulties with 
the natives, needs no reviewing. The idea of English colonization 
was a growth, promoted by peculiar circumstances in the mother 
country. Since, unlike that of France and Spain, it was the 
result of private enterprise alone, the plant developed late but 
vigorously. At first the Indians were not ungracious hosts. In 
many instances the early colonists were kept from starvation 
through Indian hospitality. The Pilgrims had no difficulty* in 
settling for the corn they took to sustain life that dreary first 
winter. The Huguenots in the south were most kindly aided by 
the natives, and lived on most pleasant terms with them until 
they meddled in the quarrels among the tribes. 'Twas only as 
the white men learned to look down upon them, to cheat them, 
to encroach upon their rights, and to make them drunk with fire- 
water, made, as the Indian said, " from the hearts of wildcats and 
tongues of women," so fierce and so foolish did it make him, 
that he became the cruel, heartless, savage enemy which he is in 
history. 



47 

The colonists came with no expectation of fighting for their 
homes. There was space enough ; they could live peaceably 
beside the rude natives, lindinga welcome because of the firearms, 
utensils and trinkets they brought. It was only as the settlers 
realized more fully their superiority, that contention began. 
Except the Five Nations, the French were always on terms of 
peace and friendship with the Indians. With the same exception, 
the English were involved in a rapid succession of bloody and 
cruel wars with the Indians and their allies, the French. The 
throbs of Europe's intermittent fever were felt strongly and 
immediately, even off here in England's finger tips, and the 
savages were very ready to join, with or without cause, when 
scalps were to be won. No large area of New England 
but has its tale of Indian burning, massacre or abduction, illus- 
trating the methods in which this strange, inhuman warfare was 
carried on. 

The reasons why the Indians were the constant friends of the 
French and the constant enemies of the English have been sug- 
gested. The Englishman woukl only take the savage as his equal 
when he gave up his barbarism and led a sober, industrious life ; 
the PVenchman made him his brother by giving up his own 
civilization, and living as a savage. John Eliot, the representative 
of the Protestant missionaries, ministering to his Indian parish 
at Natick, would admit his converts to communion only after 
they had, during several years, been instructed in the principles 
of Christianity, and had shown evidence of intention and ability 
to lead a sober, righteous and godly life. 

The Catholic missionary, by exercising his priestly authority, 
by setting forth, with the help, perhaps, of highly colored pictures, • 
the terrors of hell, or by some other device, led the savage to 
consent to baptism, and then he was in full brotherhood with the 
white man, whether or not he had any conception of its signifi- 
cance, or any intention of renouncing his thrifdess, lazy, dissolute 
life. One is impressed with the picture of Indian character, and 
the enlightening, softening influence of the Franciscan Missions 
in Mrs. Jackson's charming romance, " Ramona." But a historian 
of California, writing of the period of the annexation to the 



48 

United States, the period when Alessandro and his unhappy friends 
Hved and suffered, gives a somewhat different picture. I quote a 
paragraph from Mr. EUis's " Red Man and White Man in North 
America." 

"The writer (the above mentioned historian), says, The mis- 
sionaries had the finest opportunities and the most facile subjects. 
But while he extols their sincerity and devotion, the results of 
their labors were to him doleful and dreary enough. ' Most of 
the missions,' he says, 'are in a wretched condition, and the 
Indians — poor and helpless slaves, both in body and mind — have 
no knowledge and no will but those of the Friars.' The word 
domesticated, as applied to animals, is more applicable to them 
than the word civilized. In 1833, about 20,000 natives were 
connected with the missions, and soldiers were needed at every 
station. The Indians were lazy and helpless slaves, fed and 
flogged to compel their attendance on the Mass, and besotted by 
superstition." 

Christianity is the religion of civilization, says some one. To 
the Indian, a faith depending much upon external ceremonies, 
and little upon reasoning and belief, is, of course, the most 
attractive one. Considering the Puritan's high standard of Chris- 
tianity, his high estimate of the importance of thrift, and his 
high ideas of social equality, 'tis no wonder the French mission- 
aries gained more converts than they, and the French warriors 
more allies. But quality in our church members, our allies, our 
friends, is of more importance than quantity ; so, though the 
death struggle of French influence in the New World was 
prolonged and painful, yet its death gave renewed life to true 
civilization and progress here. 

Painful as it is to think of all the loss of life and wealth in the 
colonial wars with the savages, yet Parkman reminds us that these 
wars were probably far less costly than wars going on in Europe 
between civilized nations at the same time — the Thirty Years' War, 
the Wars of the Spanish Succession, and the rest. We are accus- 
tomed to lament the cruel extermination of the noble red man by 
the relentless white man's bullet. But there is no reason to suppose 



49 

that the Indians were numerous at the tune the settlements began, 
and doubtless the native population is greater now than two hun- 
dred and fifty years ago. If there was a falling off during the 
seventeenth century, it was more because of diseases resulting 
from their barbarous life, and their warsvimong themselves, than 
from the white man's refined cruelty. 

There is very much to excite our pity for the Indian in the 
story of the 

"westward marches 
Of the unkno\rn, crowded nations, 
Restless, struggling, toiling, striving. 
Speaking many tongues, yet feeling 
But one heart i)eat in their bosoms." 

They drive the natives, we say, from their ancestral forests 
before them. Their hunting grounds contracted, we think of 
them as now at bay, like hunted deer, between the packs of 
Christian dogs from east and west. What a subject poet and 
romancer find in the homeless, despised, but ever dignified and 
stoical Indian. What is more pathetic than the " Seminole's 
Reply" of the old reading books, or the "Indian's Lament" — 

"I will go to my tent, and lie down in despair; 
I will paint me with black, and will sever my hair; 
I will sit on the shore where the hurricane blows. 
And tell to the god of the whirlwind my woes." 

Or the vision of Hiawatha, showing him his nation scattered, 

"All forgetful of his counsels. 
Weakened, warring with each other; 
And the remnants of his people 
Sweeping westward, w ild and woful, 
Like the cloudrack of a tempest. 
Like the withered leaves of Autumn." 

Lamentable the circumstances are indeed ; evils and wrongs 
there certainly have beeii and are, but let us regard the matter 
soberly, and take as fair a view as we can. 

Observers in different positions judge very differently of Indian 
character, and it. is hard to arrive at an impartial jtidgment from 

7 



50 

reading alone. The Indian agent has seen the red men as wards 
of the government, unable to take care of themselves, whom he 
was to manage with as little trouble and as great profit as possible. 
The commander in the Indian wars has very likely seen him as a 
savage fighter, unreliable, treacherous, with barbarism as an 
indelible stamp on his character — by nature, training, associa- 
tions, opposed to civilization. In his " Life on the Plains," Gen. 
Custer tells us that the "Noble Red Man " of Cooper's tales, is not 
at all the Indian with whom he has to do. His savage is a fierce, 
inhuman barbarian, mysterious in origin, and worthy of thoughtful 
study. He has a quickness in adapting himself to circumstances, 
and before a member of a peace commission, or on a visit to 
the "Great Father," at Washington, only one phase of his char- 
acter is shown. 

An artist like the famous traveller Catlin — going among them 
to study form and color, to record their peculiarities and paint 
their portraits, is quite sure to see them as strong, graceful, 
active children of nature, strange, but simple, hospitable, religious, 
highly intellectual, honest and honorable, and this with no laws 
in their land, no locks to their doors or bars to their windows, 
and no commandments. The word " savage," in its original sense 
— wild, uncultivated — he would apply to them, but not the word 
with its perverted meaning — fierce, barbarous. 

But the philanthropist must see them as a branch of the human 
race, naturally disinclined to the sober, steady, industrious life of 
civilization, which has been repressed by necessary circumstances 
attending extraordinary growth, and often by grossest mismanage- 
ment on the ]mrt of individuals ; a race whom it is our duty as 
fellowmen and Christians to strive to elevate. 

The rapid growth of the country, the tumultuous rush after 
wealth and material prosperity, prompted by the boundless 
resources which exploration, invention and industry have brought 
to light, has left no time for philanthropic care of a careless race. 
Since the savages refused to be developed into civilized men, they 
had to give way before them. The opportunity came to choose 
between enlightenment and extermination, or at least exile from 



5 I 

their accustomed haunts. They persistently chose darkness, and 
to keep in it they had no alternative but flight before the advanc- 
ing sun, which stays not in all its course. 

Their westward progress is now checked, for, strange as it is, a 
dawning light has been advancing from the westward too, and 
enlightenment must come. Some have said, if the Indian ncnu 
refuses to enjoy the light, he must cease to live. He must yield 
his place to him whom the light does rejoice. But this is a hard 
doctrine. Humanity, Christianity, compels us to open the blind 
man's eyes, if he cannot, or will not, of himself, see the bright- 
ness streaming all about him. It may cost time and suffering, 
but sight, physical or moral, a man is grateful for in the end, at 
any price. Some one says, it takes a hundred years to make a 
good English lawn, and three hundred years to make a Christian 
gentleman. 'Tis a long way the Indian must travel, therefore 
start him off at once. With the antediluvian principle " He that 
will not work, neither shall he eat," we are learning to combine 
the doctrine of the New Revelation, "Love thy neighbor" ; and 
he that will not work must be taught to, if necessary be made to, 
in order that he may eat and enjoy all that life affords. 

If the Indian will not work and plan and think for his daily 
bread. Christian philanthropy must teach him, until, after 
generations, he shall become civilized ; until civilization shall be 
forced upon him, instead of acquired through natural development, 
as in the case of nations now so proud of their culture and 
wealth. Even through this most hopeful of means, no very 
satisfactory results can be expected until generations of children 
have been taught in ways of purity and industry. The filthy will 
be filthy still for a hundred years to come, though the results of 
the efforts of the many earnest laborers will be more and more 
apparent. The tribes longest under the influence of missionaries, 
show some advancement ; but even these, which we are accus- 
tomed to call civilized, could not, 'tis said, support themselves, if 
thrown upon their own resources, without returning to barbarism. 

The past century has been called one of dishonor, and in one 
sense such it has been. But it has been a century of weakness, 



52 

of irresolution, of vacillation, of mistakes in judgment ; but it has 
not been a century of wickedness, or of malicious or wilful cruelty 
toward the Indians, so far as the government is concerned. "We 
may," says EUis, "justly use terms, severe and condemnatory in 
word and tone, to characterize the lack of wisdom, of calm, 
methodical, judicious administration of Indian affairs by our 
Government ; and we may use the most scorching invective 
against many of the agents and agencies to which it has entrusted 
functions most outrageously abused, — but we can acquit our 
Government of all intentions of inhumanity." 

Though we seem only now to be awaking to a realization of 
our duties as a nation towards the untutored savages, we must 
not forget that their education, civilization, christianization, was 
early in the minds of many of the first settlers. " Come over 
and help us," were the words put into the mouth of the Indian 
pictured on the seal of Massachusetts colony. Roger Williams' 
and John Eliot's broad and generous sentiments in the matter 
are well known. Harvard College very early made special pro- 
vision for educating 'Indians, and Dartmouth, I think, was 
founded for this very purpose. But it is acknowledged that the 
results of the efforts thus far have not been great. Harvard's 
single Indian graduate soon died of consumption. Some in the 
older states have intermarried with Europeans, through generations, 
until many or most of the faults of the race are overcome. But 
the Indian of unmixed blood is still an Indian. His senses are 
acute, he is naturally cunning and has power of invention, but he 
does not reason well and does not know how to apply his educa- 
tion. 

The Indians were given fine physiques, strong constitutions, 
acute senses and good natural understanding ; they were placed 
in a temperate, healthy climate and on fertile soil, with every resource 
that land and water, river and sea coast, mine, forest or air could 
furnish ; and under all these favorable conditions they have never 
from the beginning shown any tendency to improve. Their 
predecessors, the Mound Builders, worked the mines, used iron 
and bronze implements, etc., but. had not the Europeans taught 



the Indians something better, they would to this day be kilhng their 
game with stone arrow heads, making their fires by rubbing two 
sticks together, cooking their sagamite in wooden vessels by 
dropping into them heated stones, and scratching the surface of 
the ground with a stick, in order that their corn might take root. 

The savages were entirely content with their lot, having no 
yearning for anything better, so unlike were they to their '^ restless, 
struggling, toiling, striving" conquerors "from the shining land of 
Waban." Even their most skillful and naturally gifted leaders, their 
Tecumsehs and Pontiacs, have been most persistent resisters of 
civilization, who would gladly guide their people back to the 
savage sim])iicity of their original condition. The Indians were 
not really improvers of the soil — they only skimmed its surface. 
To support themselves after their manner would require six 
thousand acres for each Indian, a prodigality of resources not for 
a moment justifiable. 

The intrusion of the white races has certainly in many respects 
improved the condition of the Indians, for even the partial 
contact they have had with civilization has forced some beneficial 
changes upon them in spite of their vigorous resistance, while, all 
the time, the gradual pushing and crowding westward, cruel and 
unjust though it seems, has preserved them their associations with 
the forest and with untamed nature. 

This irresistible power which has been driving the Indians on 
until they can go no farther, was natural, and in a way justifiable ; 
an instance of the ever recurring fi\ct of the survival of the fittest. 

Great Britain, unlike the United States, inherited with her 
possessions in North America no Indian difficulties. Until very 
recently, colonization has not been encouraged in British America. 
I do not remember that Manitoba was mentioned on the maps of 
twenty years ago ; the great region to the Northwest has, until 
now, lain in primitive wilderness. It remains to be seen whether 
the Canadian Pacific Railway will overcome the inertia of the 
ages. 

The management of the giant monopoly — the Hudson Bay 
Company — was modified in 1863 only, and until then all its influ- 



54 

ence went to prevent the settlement of the region with which it 
had to do. Well may Great Britain in the past have preserved 
peaceful relations with the natives ; white man's interests and 
red man's were one. But it may be that the problem now so 
prominently before the people of the Republic may very soon 
vex the Empire. Perhaps, indeed, the recent half-breed insur- 
rection may be regarded as the beginning. 

The United States did not start on its career as a nation 
unhampered. The Indians were largely allies of the British during 
the' Revolution. At its close they were left unprovided for on our 
hands. They were not included in the peace, and with the French 
of the North and West, and the Spanish in the South, were danger- 
ous neighbors. This inherited antipathy has not been lessened by 
the encroachments and contemptuous treatment of frontiersmen, 
and the inconstant policy of the government. This may to an 
extent tend to repel them from civilization. If they were 
disposed to adopt a steady, industrious life, there has been little 
in the past to encourage them to do so. If they planted a field, 
they might be asked to move on before they gathered the crop. 
Give them land in their own right, and let them hope in due time 
to become citizens ; treat them as men, not as buffaloes ; put more 
of their children into schools, breaking off all their associations 
with filth and savagery and improvidence, and in time, after 
generations it may be, the Indian race will become worthy men 
and women. 

The Government is not entirely responsible for Indian diffi- 
culties which the British Government left on its hands, and not at 
all for those which grew up in colonial days. Neither French nor 
Spaniards recognized that the Indians had any rights to the land 
they roamed over, and indeed, their right was not as clear as 
would seem at first thought. They wandered over vast regions 
but were constantly warring with each other, and their territory 
was constantly changing. In the case of few if any tribes, was 
there ancestral territory, which for generations any one family or 
tribe had even skimmed on its surface. But though their legal claim 
to America or any part of it may be shadowy, by all principles of 



55 

natural law, they had some rights which we are bound to regard. 
The English settlers, unlike the French and Spanish, acknowl- 
edged these titles to an extent. It was the universal custom 
among the Quakers, and to quite an extent among other sects as 
well, to purchase the land of the natives. Very likely the natives 
were often cheated outrageously, but there was at least the sem- 
blance of justice. 

In one way or another, then, the English colonists got and 
kept their land, by purchase, or by right of conquest, based upon 
the principle that the heathen have no rights, or that those who 
really improved the soil had right to the soil. x'\t the Peace of 
Paris, in i 763, Great Britain acquired also all the land east of the 
Mississippi, which the French claimed by right of conquest. In 
1 783 all this territory reverted to the United States. Whatever 
rights Flngland or France had now became the rights of our Govern- 
ment. Then various portions have since been added by purchase 
or cession or annexation, each bringing its load of Indian troubles. 
Whether or not the colonists had any right to a foot of the land 
they occupied, whether our Government had any right to receive 
by treaty or purchase from England, France, Spain, Mexico, or 
Russia, what those countries had no right to transfer, having never 
justly obtained it from the natives, are theoretical rather than 
practical (luestions. Justly or unjustly the United States Govern- 
ment has firmly in its grasp vast territories ; justly or unjustly the 
Indian has been ignored, or pushed back against the wall of the 
Rocky Mountains, until he can no longer be held at arm's length, 
and must be taken into closer grasp. 

Who are you? Where do you come from? are questions that 
will probably never be fully answered. What right have you to 
be here? is a question which has been long enough discussed. 
You are here — How can we most readily civilize you and make 
you one of us? is the great cjuestion before the people of the 
United States. 



56 

The reading of the paper was followed by remarks 
from President Crane, who gave some account 
of his personal experience with the Indians. He 
expressed the opinion that all attempts to educate 
or civilize the Red Man would be futile ; that the 
present sentimentality in regard to this matter 
would have to give way to the stern facts that ex- 
perience and time have demonstrated. To remove 
the Indian from his natural state of savagery and 
barbarism is simply to kill him. It is like taking a 
fish out of the water. We cannot reverse a law of 
nature. If the number of Indians is larger now 
than at the time of the discovery of America, it 
shows that they have increased under barbarism 
and not under civilization, for that is only just being 
applied. Contact with the white races, even when 
we leave out the vices introduced by the latter, has 
always acted like slow poison. Individual excep- 
tions or even a large number of cases prove noth- 
ing to the contrary. The elements of time, race, 
natural tendency and universal law must be taken 
into consideration. 

The Secretary exhibited a composite photograph 
of the class of 1886, Smith College. 

There being no further business the meeting was 
adjourned. 



57 

The March meetinfj was held on the evenine of 
Tuesday, the ist. 

Present : Messrs. Abbot, W. L, Clark, Crane, 
Gould, Hubbard, Jackson, G. Maynard, Meriam, 
Otis, F. P. Rice, Sawyer, Seagrave, C. E. Simmons, 
Stedman, Sumner, Tucker, Wall, and C. G. Wood. 
— 18. 

Joseph A. Titus of Worcester, and Rev. George 
Faber Clark of Hubbardston, were admitted as 
active members ; and Rev. William A. Benedict of 
Orange Park, Florida, was elected a corresponding 
member. 

The Librarian's report showed the following ad- 
ditions to the Library and Museum during Febru- 
ary : 6 volumes, 74 pamphlets, 35 papers, and 3 
relics. 

The Secretary called attention to a copy of "The 
House Lots of the Early Settlers of Providence 
Plantations," presented to the Society by Mr. Ray 
Greene Huling of New Bedford. 

The President read an entertaining paper on 
WiJids and IVeathcr- 1 'aucs, prepared by Mr. Joseph 
A. Howland, who was prevented by an injury from 
presenting it in person. 

The meeting was then adjourned. 

8 



58 

Special meeting, Tuesday evening, March 15. 

Mr. Charles M. Smith gave his lecture, ''From 
Andersonville to Freedom y It was one of the most 
thrilling and interesting addresses ever given be- 
fore the Society. 



Regular meeting, Tuesday evening, April 5. 

Present : Messrs. Dickinson, Leonard, Estey, 
M. A. Maynard, W. W. Rice, Staples, Barrows, 
G. Maynard, J. A. Howland, Marvin, Perkins, C. 
Jillson, A. H. Coolidge, F. P. Rice, Tolman, Abbot, 
Hubbard, Curtis, Meriam, W. L. Clark, Stedman, 
C. E. Simmons, Harrington, H. M. Smith, Lynch, 
Sumner, Wall, C. R. Johnson, members ; and five 
visitors. — 2)2>- 

Vice-President Tolman presided, and introduced 
Rev. A. H. Coolidee, who read the followinp" in- 
teresting and valuable memoir of the Rev. John 
Nelson. D. D. 



59 



REV. JOHN NELSON, D. D. 



BY REV. A. H. COOLIDGE. 



" I have no memories to record but the quiet, common, every- 
day kind. Together they constitute only a picture of ordinary 
interests and experiences, of ordinary hghts and shadows, which, 
with a few variations, would be a picture of thousands of others." 
These are expressions of one of the most modest and worthy of 
men, found in the introduction of an autobiography of that part 
of his life which preceded his installation as pastor of the " First 
Church of Christ," in Leicester, Mass., and from which many of 
the facts and quotations of this paper are taken. 

John Nelson was born in the north part of the town of Hopkin- 
ton, Mass., May 9, 1786, "of genuine Puritan stock, which had 
been thoroughly New Englandized." The Nelson family, coming 
from England, settled in that part of Rowley which is now em- 
braced in the township of Georgetown, Mass. His grandfather's 
home was in Milford, and there his father, John Nelson, was born. 
The ancestors of his mother, Betsy Brown, settled in Stowe, Mass. 
Her father's name was Israel, and the names of his three elder 
brothers were Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. His mother lived in 
Newport, R. I., until she was sixteen years of age, when the family 
removed to Milford, Mass. Her father was a soldier in the 
revolutionary army. During his absence, while the family were 
on a visit to Newport, a British fleet came to take possession of 
the island, and his grandmother, and mother, "with a married 
sister with a little child and another daughter quite young, fled 
with the frightened people across Howland's Ferry to the main 
land, leaving everything in their house, even a dinner in process of 
cooking, and made their way to Milford on foot." 



6o 

The house in which John Nelson was born was four miles from 
the meeting-house, in a retired and romantic spot, near the head 
waters of the Charles river. The features of the scenery were a 
beautiful pond into which extended a peninsula where Indian 
arrowheads and other implements were often found, a high, 
rocky hill infested with rattlesnakes, and a " dismal swamp filled 
in boyish imagination with all manner of serpents, wild beasts, 
hobgoblins, etc." I have heard Dr. Nelson describe in a playful 
way his feeling when, long afterward, he visited the spot, which in 
his memory was so invested with grandeur, and beauty, and awe. 
The hill did not appear half so grand, the pond was not half so 
large, the precipitous rock was not half so great, nor the '•' dismal 
swamp" half so gloomy and fearful as when he saw them with a 
boy's eyes. 

His picture of the old house recalls memories familiar to only 
a few now living, "unpainted without and within," with "'pine 
floors and wainscotings scrupulously scoured," "sanded floor," 
"long rows of kitchen shelves exhibiting shining rows of pewter 
plates," and "broad fireplaces, with their green logs, and back- 
logs, and backsticks, and foresticks," "giving out heat and some 
smoke." 

The general lack of thrift, and consideration for the convenience 
of families, at that time, is shown by " the destitution of wood- 
houses, the out-of-door and often distant wells, with their sweeps 
and poles, the miserable low barns, with hay stacks about them, 
the poor fences, and the small and dilapidated schoolhouses." 
The food was mostly "produced on the farm," "salt meats were 
mainly used." "Bolted rye was the only flour, with the exception 
of a few pounds of 'Baltimore Howard Street,'* with which to 
keep Thanksgiving." Apples were " mainly for cider which was 
universally used." "The moral habits of the people seem to 
me," he writes, "to have been formerly very much as they are 
now." There was "more coarseness and vulgarity, perhaps more 
intemperance." "But there was a higher style of gentlemanly 
and ladylike bearing, certainly in the elevated classes of our 

* Baltimore, Howard street inspection. 



6i 

countrymen, in former times than can be met with now." "Villages 
were rare. In the centre of the towns there was generally a store, 
which supplied the people with groceries and dry goods, in 
exchange for their butter, cheese, pork, etc. There was generally 
one or more taverns, the prohibitory law not then existing." 

It is a common im])ression that the homes of New England, a 
hundred years ago, were cheerless ; that stern duty presided with 
an iron sceptre ; that religion was clothed with gloom, and the 
sabbath was almost like the day of doom. It is interesting, 
therefore, and instructive to be introduced to one of the typical 
Puritan families of the last century. 

Young Nelson often visited the home of his grandfather, Mr. 
Seth Nelson, spending days and weeks. There he came into the 
presence of a man of intelligent and strong character. "Strictly 
observing family worship, often referring to the Bible, which was 
always open on a stand by his chair, reading aloud in the Bible 
tone common to that day, he was a truly religious man, but not 
of that gloomy, repulsive sort which the present generation repre- 
sents all the old Puritans to have been." " He was gentle, 
cheerful and facetious." " Of his six sons, five were deacons, and 
the sixth was a minister." 

The father of John Nelson was a man of strong mind, versed 
in theological discussion, reading Edwards on the Will in the 
intervals of rest in haying time. 

The family discipline was mild and wise, "not harsh and 
repulsive as many suppose was that alone which prevailed at that 
period." Once when he and his brother were quarrelling in the 
trundle-bed, his father came in and " measured the exact line 
through the middle of the bed, and placed a small pole under the 
sheet, and retired without saying a word." A most effective 
reproof. "Often," Dr. Nelson ^writes, "when I have seen man- 
kind contending about nothing, I have wished that the dividing 
pole could be placed between them." 

" We had our amusements too, our ball playing, our fishing, our 
hide and seek, and what has now gone out of date, our wresding." 
" If shut up within doors, we had our nut cracking, our blindfold, 



62 

and our forfeits." Under the old oak tree, "we gave loose to frolic 
and fun," "with brisk chattering, with loud and noisy laughter." 
The children were required to be respectful, to rise and uncover 
their heads in the presence of their elders, and to bow upon 
entering the school room. They were required to learn the Lord's 
Prayer, the Commandments, and the Assemblies' Catechism. 
There was family worship morning and evening, at which the 
whole Bible was read through, aloud, each year, for forty years. 
The children were taken, or when old enough walked to church 
four miles, yet "never regarded it a hardship," and the boy 
Nelson was only "sorry when it was his turn to stay at home." 
"Going to church, certainly in our case, was not a burden but a 
pleasure." 

Such a record, giving a vivid and circumstantial insight into 
typical New England families one hundred years ago, is perhaps 
rare, and is certainly of great value. It corrects some current 
misapprehensions, respecting the austerity and harshness of that 
generation. It shows how much love and sunshine there was in 
those simple, rural homes. There were doubtless families in 
which parental piety assumed an unattractive aspect, and others 
in which impiety was still more unlovely, but we have, perhaps, 
been too ready to accept as the rule what was rather the excep- 
tion. The Nelson households, doubtless, were fairly representa- 
tive of the better rural New England Christian homes of the last 
century. 

John Nelson attended school in an " old broken-down school- 
house," ten weeks in summer and ten in winter. The discipline 
"was not altogether harsh." The principal text book was 
"Perry's Only Sure Guide." His comparative estimate of the 
education then obtained is quite favorable. " More vigor " of 
application, and " more attention to morals and manners." 

One recollection of his childhood, was, that one day a daughter 
of a neighbor came to borrow a pillion, and carried it home on 
her back, that she might have it to strap on the horse of a young 
man who was to take her, behind him, to a ball, it being the 
custom for the lady lo furnish that part of the outfit. 



63 

In April, i 799, the family with cattle and goods, left Hopkinton, 
and the next day settled upon a farm in the north part of the " famous 
town" of Worcester. Here he heard for the first time the tones 
of a church bell, of which there were then two in Worcester, on 
the meeting-houses of the First and Second Societies. The 
family attended the First, or Old South Church, of which Dr. 
Samuel Austin was pastor, and with which John Nelson united at 
the age of fifteen years. He was for many years the youngest 
member of that church. 

The Old South meeting-house was an object of boyish interest 
to him, with its "tall steeple," its "rooster," its "bell ringing," 
and its " stocks under the stairs." On the back seats of the gallery 
was a long row of colored men, some of whom were elaborately 
tattoed, and were said to have been princes of noble birth in 
Africa. On the opposite side was a large number of colored 
women. The children did not sit with their parents. There were 
" tythingmen," with "short poles," who were charged with the 
duty of keeping in order the boys in the gallery. The choir was 
large, and, supported by an orchestra with "bass viols, violins, 
flutes and clarinets," executed in vigorous style the "fugue music" 
then in vogue. Over the high pulpit was the "sounding-board," 
in front the " deacons' seat," arid in front of this " a large enclosure 
with table and seats supposed to be for church and town purposes." 
There were no town halls, and all assemblies, religious, civil, 
military and general, were held in the meeting-houses, which were 
without fires. 

About the year iSoi he attended the " Circulating Grammar 
School," which was kept three months at a time in each of the 
nine districts, and in which the languages and higher mathematics 
were taught. Here, with six or eight other boys, he studied 
"Alexander's Latin Grammar, and read yEsop's Fables and four 
books of Virgil, in two terms." Of this school, Mr. Samuel 
Swan was the teacher. He was at the same time pursuing the 
study of law in the office of Judge Nathaniel Paine. 

Under the date of Feb. 5, 1802, Rev. Timothy Dickinson, of 
HoUiston, writes in his journal, "John Nelson, Jr. came to live 



64 

with me." And again Feb. 7, " I set Nelson to work on his 
Greek grammar." Here he remained working for his board till 
spring, one part of his duty being to pump water for a herd of 
ten cattle, and turn it into a trough as high as his head. He was 
very homesick, and when his time had expired, walked home 
thirty miles rather than wait the regular conveyance the next day. 
I have heard him relate an amusing reminiscence of the Holliston 
church. It was the custom of the time for mourners to rise in 
church, and stand while they were addressed in the funeral sermon. 
It was also a common practice for ministers, when the young 
people had indulged in some social gaiety during the week, to 
reprove them from the pulpit the next Sunday. There had been 
a ball, and knowing what to expect, the young men on Sunday 
took seats in the front row of pews in the gallery, extending the entire 
length of one side. When Mr. Dickinson reached the part of his 
sermon which referred to them, they all rose and stood until the 
philippic ended, and then quietly resumed their seats. After this 
time Nelson studied with Mr. Daniel Waldo Lincoln, a '• fine 
scholar," whose instruction was gratuitous. 

In the fall of 1804, he started for Williams College in Dr. 
Austin's chaise, with his father's horse. His brother accompanied 
him as far as the Connecticut rive'r at Hadley, and then returned 
with the carriage. With bag and trunk, the boy who was thus 
willing to struggle for an education, crossed the ferry, his brother 
watching him from the shore. "At this parting and crossing 
to the other side of the great river, I felt that the last link which 
bound me to home was indeed broken." 

Arriving at Pittsfield next noon, he started on foot, with a few 
articles tied in his handkerchief, for Williamstown, twenty miles 
distant. He fortunately had an opportunity to ride most of the 
way, and was deeply impressed with the grandeur of the scenery 
of the Housatonic range. Next morning he appeared "before 
what seemed " to him " the greatest of all men, a college presi- 
dent," Dr. Ebenezer Fitch, and was admitted to the sophomore 
class. 

His funds were reduced to a ten-dollar bill, which he could 



65 

pass for only nine dollars. He was obliged to teach several terms, 
in his college course, in order to meet expenses. 

In his first senior vacation he taught in Worcester, but great as 
his need was he could not obtain his pay from the town. This 
condition of affairs w-as not peculiar to Worcester. Town orders 
for twenty dollars were at this time ot"ten sold for sixteen or 
eighteen dollars, and ministers often waited years for their salaries. 

Mr. Waldo and others urged him to sue the town, and Hon. 
Francis Blake offered to collect the debt without charge. " But 
I did not feel big enough to assail the great town of Worcester." 
Ephraim Mower, chairman of the board of selectmen, at length 
advanced the amount. 

It was upon his return to college in the spring of 1805, that he 
experienced his " first contact with a revival of religion." The 
moral and religious condition of the college had been low. The 
French revolution was a recent event, and Napoleon was then in 
the full tide of his conquering career. "The French revolution," 
says one of the early graduates of the college, "was at that time 
very popular with almost all the inmates of the college, and with 
almost all people in that part of the country. French liberty and 
French philosophy poured in upon us like a flood ; and seemed 
to sweep almost everything serious before it." Any indication of 
awakened interest was the occasion of "ridicule and shocking 
abuse." In the revival of 1805 and 1806, the character of the 
college in these respects was transformed. 

This was the period of the missionary movement that resulted 
in the organization of the American Board of Commissioners for 
Foreign Missions. Mr. Nelson was intimately associated with 
Samuel J. Mills, Gordon Hall, James Richards, and other men of 
similar spirit ; and he was one of the number of those who 
attended with them the prayer meetings in Missionary Grove. 

These influences doubtless affected his whole subsequent life. 
He was always deeply interested in the great missionary work 
which grew from these small beginnings. He attended the second 
meeting of the American Board, held in Worcester Sept. 18, 181 1, 
and was afterward a corporate member of the Board. 

9 



66 

Dr. Nelson repeatedly afifirmed that the leading spirit in that 
missionary band, was a young man whose name is little known, 
Chauncy Robbins, who was the son of a minister in Connecticut, 
and who died young. Dr. Horatio Bardwell concurred in this 
opinion. 

John Nelson was graduated from Williams College in 1807, 
being one of three to be honored with an English Oration. In 
scholarship, said one of his class, he had no superior. He had 
struggled hard for his education, his course had been interrupted 
by teaching, he was diffident and depressed in spirit. He gave 
his father's note for his college bills, and had five dollars in his 
pocket, which he had borrowed. He had already begun to teach 
a school of one hundred scholars on Charlestown Neck, and to this 
school he returned. The position was uncongenial, he was "very 
blue," and had contracted a cough, which troubled him for many 
months. At the end of the term he resigned, and began his 
theological studies with Dr. Austin, his time being taken up mostly 
in correcting the proofs of President Edwards's works, which Dr. 
Austin was then editing. He then taught one quarter in the 
Worcester Grammar school, which in its migratory career was 
then located in the east part of the town. In the fall of 1808, he 
was engaged for a year as assistant preceptor in Leicester Acad- 
emy, of which Rev. Dr. Moore was principal preceptor. 

At the end of the fall term, a messenger came on horseback 
from Williamstown, with an urgent request from Dr. Fitch, that 
Mr. Nelson would become a tutor in the College. The messenger 
came Tuesday night, and on Thursday, Mr. Nelson started on 
horseback for Williamstown. During this ride his cough entirely 
left him. Mr. Josiah Clark, then a senior in the college, returned 
with the horse and took Mr. Nelson's place in the Academy, 
which he retained till 18 12, when he was elected principal pre- 
ceptor. 

The occasion of this sudden summons was a rebellion in the 
college, occasioned by the unpopularity of two tutors, against 
whose reappointment the students petitioned. The faculty 
interposed, prevented the presentation of the petition, and 



67 

demanded the discipline of the class. With this demand the 
trustees refused to comply, and, as a consequence, all the faculty- 
resigned, except the President, who had come to sympathize with 
the students. A vacation' of three weeks was ordered, and 
Chester Dewey, of Sheffield, Mass., afterward professor, James W. 
Robbins, of Norfolk, Conn., and John Nelson were made tutors. 
The situation was embarrassing. Mr. Nelson had been only a 
year from college, and was intimately acc^uainted with the members 
of the upper classes. It was a period when college officers con- 
ducted themselves with stately dignity, having little familiar 
intercourse with the students. With that tact which was one of 
his most marked characteristics through life, and by which with- 
out seeming to do so, he carried out his purposes, he called, on 
the evening of his arrival, upon all his former acquaintances in the 
upper classes. This course proved a master-stroke of policy. 
During the two years of his connection with the college he was 
a very popular instructor. 

In the fall of 1810 he returned to Worcester and continued his 
theological studies in Dr. Austin's family five months. All the 
instruction or intercourse with Dr. Austin on theological subjects 
consisted of a few remarks on one of a set of questions furnished 
by him, and a few criticisms on one sermon. "This," Dr. Nelson 
said, " was my theological education." 

Dr. Nelson was trained in the Hopkinsian school of theology. 
This was the theology of his father. His pastor in Hopkinton 
was the eccentric Nathanael Howe, and as we have seen, he came 
while young under the influence of Dr. Austin, an able and promi- 
nent Hopkinsian divine. That Dr. Austin believed in " infant 
damnation," as has been persistendy affirmed, Dr. Nelson positively, 
and from personal knowledge denied, and moreover affirmed that 
he had, in his lifetime, known hardly a minister who held this 
view. The Hopkinsian theology emphasized the divine sovereignty 
and efficiency, and the duty of subordinating human interest to 
the Divine will. Under Dr. Austin's ministry, as Dr. Nelson 
said, the leading question put to candidates for church member- 
ship was, "Are you willing to be damned?" Rev. Edwards 



68 

Whipple, of Charlton, was of a different mind, and to a woman, 
who applied for church membership, saying she had this willing- 
ness, but whose piety he distrusted, replied that if she was willing, 
and the Divine will corresponded, he should not object. 

At Williamstown Mr. Nelson came under the influence of another 
class of preachers, such as Doctors Fitch, Hyde, Shepherd, and 
Mr. Swift, of Williamstown, and was impressed with the superior 
practical power of their discourses. Their preaching was "less 
metaphysical and more practical, and their labors were more 
blessed with revivals," and he "lost his estimate of the importance 
of these distinctions." He was not a metaphysician. " I hate 
metaphysics," he once said to me in his pleasant way. He early 
accepted the views of the new school of New England theologians, 
in distinction from hyper-Calvinism and Hopkinsianism, and 
adopted the plainer and more direct mode of presenting Christian 
truth. 

He was examined for approbation by the local Association, 
sometimes with a double significance styled the " Long and 
Narrow Association." His sermon before the body was on 
Justification, rejecting the view of Imputation. It was disapproved 
by Mr. Gough, of Millbury, but approved by the other members. 
At his ordination a layman on the council asked him, " Do you 
believe in unregenerate works?" Mr. Nelson hesitated, and 
asked the meaning of the question. " Do you believe it is the 
duty of the unregenerate to pray? " "Yes, I do," he answered. 
" Then I can't vote for you." 

His first sermon was preached in Ward, now Auburn. He 
afterward went to Connecticut, on a horse, with saddle-bags, 
preaching in different places, and receiving as compensation what 
was found in the contribution box, which in one instance amounted 
to $4.70. In Pomfret he preached three months. In this 
meeting-house was " a sounding board, and a sub-sounding 
board." On the first Sabbath he noticed that all the congregation 
remained standing in their places after the benediction until he 
had passed down the aisle. He was a modest man, and requested 
that the formality might thereafter be omitted. He received a 



69 

call from this church, with the cautious stipulation that he should 
receive his salary " so long as he performed the duties of the min- 
istry." He declined the call, and accepted an invitation from the 
church in Leicester to supply the pulpit made vacant by the resig- 
nation of Rev. Zephaniah Swift Moore, who had been appointed 
Professor of Languages at-Dartmouth College. He commenced his 
labors on the first Sunday of November, i8i i, and on the fourth day 
of March, 1S12, was ordained, and installed as pastor of the church, 
at a salary of four hundred and fifty dollars, which was after three 
years increased to five hundred dollars. 

The exercises of the ordination were as follows : Opening prayer 
by Rev. Aaron Bancroft, D. D., of Worcester ; sermon by Rev. 
Samuel Austin, D. D., of Worcester ; consecrating prayer by Rev. 
Joseph Avery, of Holden ; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. 
Edwards Whipple, of Charlton ; charge, by Rev. Joseph Pope, of 
Spencer; concluding ])rayer, by Rev. Edmund Mills, of Sutton. 

The ordination was on a beautiful winter-like day. The sleigh- 
ing was excellent. The event was unusual. A concourse of 
three thousand people assembled, only a small portion of whom 
could find admittance to the church building ; and it is handed 
down as a fact that there were, by actual count, on, and about 
the common, twelve hundred sleighs. The council was enter- 
tained on a liberal scale by Col. Thomas Denny, who also the 
next day extended similar hospitalities to the congregation. The 
first sermon after ordination, was from L Tim., 6 : 20, "O Tim- 
othy, keep that which is committed to thy trust." 

On the fourth of May following, Mr. Nelson rode on horseback 
to Barre, in a severe snow-storm, and, in the evening was married 
by Rev. James Thompson, D. D., to Zibiah, daughter of Abijah 
Bigelow, Esq., of that town. To her he declared himself more 
largely indebted for the comfort he had enjoyed, and the success 
that had attended his ministry, than he knew how to express.* 

* Mrs. Nelson was born in the part of Watcrtovvn now embraced in 
Waltham, Oct. 15, 1787. She was a woman of superior ability, refinement, 
and strength of character, of great energy and executive force, and well 
fitted for leadership. She scrupulously cared for her household, and also 



70 

The town of Leicester then had about twelve hundred inhabi- 
tants. In the congregation were many intelhgent and well 
educated people. The pastor was young and diffident. His 
predecessor, Dr. Moore, was a prominent and learned man, ranking 
high in educational circles, afterward a professor in Dartmouth 
college, and president, first of Williams, and then of Amherst 
college. Conscious of his youth and inexperience, the new 
minister hardly needed the reminder of the fact given him by an 
old man, one of the eccentric members of the parish. Calling on 
him the first time, Mr. Nelson was abruptly met with the question : 

"How old are you?" 

"Twenty-six." 

"You are of yesterday, and know nothing !" 

The same man afterward sent him this message, " I'm sick. If 
you don't come and see me I'll send for Mr. Pope." 

For thirty-nine years he discharged the duties of the pastoral office 
alone, preaching twice on the Sabbath, conducting evening 
services, preaching in different parts of the town, sometimes hold- 
ing meetings night after night for months, and performing the 
arduous work of pastoral visitation and ministration to the sick 
and the afflicted in families scattered over all parts of the town. 

shared with her husband the work of pastoral visitation. She was especially 
thoughtful of the poor, the afflicted, and the sick. .She was deeply interested 
in the sabbath school, and indeed in all that related to the welfare of the 
society. She was president of the Ladies' Charitable Society forty-nine 
years, and directed its large benevolent work. She was an ardent patriot, 
and during the civil war was busily occupied in working for the soldiers. In 
the hundredth pair of stockings which she knit for them she placed a note 
stating the fact, and received an answer of thanks from the fortunate 
receiver. She was a natural artist, and in the leisure and fortunate surround- 
ings of her old age, she revived one of the accomplishments of her girlhood. 
It was after she was ninety years of age that she resumed the work of em- 
broidery, designing from nature, without pattern, and producing many 
specimens of handiwork which are justly admired as remarkable works of 
art. Mrs. Nelson died Dec. 19, 1881, in the ninety-fifth year of her age. 
She was a delightful letter-writer, and when too infirm to leave home 
remembered her friends in letters of consolation, congratulation and friend- 
ship. 



i 



71 

In 1 85 1, on the 4th day of March, Rev. Andrew C. Dennison 
was settled as his colleague. He was dismissed in March, 1856, 
and April 21, 1857, the writer was ordained, and was associated 
with him till the time of his death. He continued to preach in 
the latter period of his life, with the exception of the last five 
years, occupying the pulpit on Sunday morning, when health and 
weather permitted. 

He was a ready writer, with a pure and pleasing style, marked 
rather by clearness, simplicity and fluency, than by startling 
antithesis, or sensational illustration. His sermons were short. 
He usually selected before Monday night the texts and themes of 
both his discourses for the following sabbath, and habitually com- 
pleted his preparations before Saturday noon. When he ceased 
])reaching he had a considerable number of sermons not delivered. 
He had no study and but few books. His sermons were 
written in the room occupied by the family and visiting friends. 
He did not approve of extemporaneous preaching, and his sermons 
were almost without exception fully written. 

There were times, especially in periods of religious controversy, 
when his preaching was of a decidedly doctrinal cast, but usually 
it was of a more directly practical character. 

When the writer became accpiainted with him, he was nearly 
seventy years of age, and much enfeebled by disease ; but there 
were times, especially during the civil war, when he spoke with 
an earnestness and vigor which seemed like the flashing out of an 
old fire, and which revealed the secret of his early power and his 
popularity as a preacher, not only in Leicester, but in all this vicinity 
in which he was widely known and revered. On funeral occasions 
he was especially felicitous, entering with a true pastoral sympathy 
into the feeling of those to whom he extended the consolations 
of religion. 

The weekly prayer meeting was established in the latter part of 
Dr. Moore's ministry. In 1819, May 3, the church took action 
with reference to "a plan of Sabbath School." The ministers in 
this vicinity were at first distrustful of the Sunday School, which 
in its origin was quite different in character from the institution 



72 

as it now exists. At a conference of pastors in the vicinity of 
Worcester, called sometime before this date, resolutions had been 
passed disapproving of Sunday schools as liable to violate the 
sanctity of the sabbath day. In Worcester the first schools were 
attended only by the children of the poorer families. Mr. Abijah 
Bigelow, who was much interested and saw the possibilities of 
usefulness in the institution, at last placed all the children of his 
large family in the Sunday school. His example was followed by 
others, and the school which had before made little progress, 
became in consequence popular and successful. 

In Leicester five sabbath schools were organized, probably in 
1 8 19, in as many different parts of the town. 

In this pioneer Sunday school work, Mrs. Nelson's labors were 
efficient and invaluable. She had charge of the school in the centre 
village, and also had general oversight of the other schools, to 
which she rode on horseback. Her earlier interest in this institu- 
tion endured to the end, and she continued to attend the Sunday 
school until she was over ninety years of age. 

The earlier years of Dr. Nelson's ministry were years of embar- 
rassment and trial. His salary of four hundred dollars was perhaps, 
in 181 2, sufficient for the support of a pastor's family. But the 
war with England immediately followed, and with it a very large 
increase in the cost of living. It was a period of great prosperity 
in the town, but of rigid economy in the parsonage. The hospi- 
tality of the Nelson home was always generous and free. The 
minister was expected then to entertain the clerical traveller, and 
the clerical beast, generally finding in his society and conversation 
an adequate remuneration for the cost and trouble. The minis- 
terial tramp, however, that most unblushing of all mendicants, 
presuming upon hospitality as the servant of the Lord, not 
infrequently made the parsonage his home for days together, 
honoring the pastor as his groom, and the pastor's wife as 
his landlady ; and, at his departure, acknowledging his satisfaction 
by promise of future patronage. In a few years the young pastor 
found himself hopelessly involved in debt. For this reason, he, 
in 1 819, asked to be dismissed. A subscription of four hundred 



75 

dollars by some of the gentlemen of the parish, and an increase 
of fifty dollars to his salary, averted this result, and gave expres- 
sion to the high regard of his people. 

At the time of Dr. Nelson's ordination the church numbered 
sixty-five members, of whom eigliteen were males ; and all of 
whom were in advanced or middle life. In the first fifteen years 
there were few additions. He himself states that in the first 
thirteen years less than twenty made profession of faith. Between 
the years 1819 and 1S27 there appear to have been very few, if 
any, additions. 

But there came at length a great and gratifying change. In 
1827 fifty-three persons united with the church, and in the six 
successive years one hundred and eighty-seven entered into its 
fellowship, thus more than quadrupling its membership. The 
years that followed were also fruitful in similar results. There 
were repeated periods of special religious interest, in some in- 
stances continuing for several years. During his ministry of fifty- 
nine years and nine months, six hundred and seventy-eight persons 
united with the church. 

Dr. Nelson entered heartily into the spirit of these revivals, and 
the earnestness and effectiveness of his labors at such times, are 
still remembered. Still he was by nature cautious, and was not 
in fiill sympathy with what were termed " new measures." While 
he acknowledged the indebtedness of the church to these revivals, 
he preferred the calmer modes of administration, and had more 
confidence in ordinary and progressive, than in convulsive move- 
ments. 

The congregation at the time of Dr. Nelson's ordination was 
composed of people from all parts of the town. On the sabbath 
day processions of carriages might be seen coming up the "Hill" 
from Cherry Valley, and along the "County Road" from the 
southerly parts of the town, as well as from the north and west. 
The increase of population, the growth of the villages, changes 
in the condition of the people, and the organization of other 
churches, in time wrought great changes in the personnel of the 
congregation. 



74 

At that time there was a Baptist church in what is now Green- 
ville. There was also in the northeast part of the town a society 
of Friends. 

All persons not connected with these societies were regarded as 
members of the original congregation, and were held responsible 
for its support. The parish, like those in other places, was identical 
with the town. Its business was transacted in regular town meet- 
ing until 1 794. After this time those voters who had not formerly 
withdrawn from the support of the original church, met after the 
regular town meeting, on the same day, to act upon church affairs. 
"The First Parish of Leicester" was organized Feb. 9, 1S33. 

Five other religious societies were organized during his 
ministry. A Protestant Episcopal church at what is now called 
Rochdale ; the Second Congregational Society ; a Methodist 
Episcopal church in Cherry Valley ; a Wesleyan Methodist church 
in the centre village ; and a Roman Catholic church between the 
Centre and Cherry Valley. 

One of the most trying periods of Dr. Nelson's ministry was that 
of the Unitarian division, in which, although the church retained 
its standing, and continued to hold the meeting-house and other 
parish property, some of his highlyvalued friends became dissatis- 
fied, organized themselves into a Unitarian Association, and finally 
withdrew from his ministration. The objection as formally stated 
was not so much to his own preaching, as to the choice of his 
exchanges ; which were regarded by them as on the one hand 
exclusive, and on the other as objectionable. He was, by the 
association, requested to exchange with neighboring Unitarian 
ministers, and notified that if he did not do so measures would 
be taken to " procure Unitarian preaching in this place." To this 
memorial he replied, explaining his position, and firmly but cour- 
teously declining the proposition. In consequence of this refusal, 
the Second Congregational Society was formed, April 13, 1833. 

Dr. Nelson was actively identified with the various interests of 
the town. For many years he was associated with the public 
schools, giving to them the benefit of his judgment and personal 
supervision. 



75 

He was actively associated with the temperance reformation in 
the various stages of its progress. 

In pohtics he was a Whig ; and never, I think, quite lost his 
admiration for that party, or his regret at its dissolution. Later 
he was a Republican, and gave his influence and voice in favor of 
those restrictive measures, which aimed at the final suppression of 
slavery, and hastened its overthrow. His active life was in the 
days of the great struggle, and its closing years witnessed the great 
convulsion, and the final consummation. • 

He did not approve the extreme and disorganizing measures 
urged by many earnest advocates for the abolition of slavery. 
His duty as a Christian minister he well expressed in his sermon 
preached on the fortieth anniversary of his ordination. " I con- 
scientiously believed that, while I ought to sympathize with and take 
what part I could in all wise and Christian measures for effecting 
outward reforms, my main concern was with the purifying that 
great fountain of evil, man's heart, by means of gospel ministra- 
tions, so that in the end all the streams wliich issue from it might 
become pure." Slavery he regarded as "in principle and in fact 
in every way wrong " ; a political, social, and moral evil ; "a sin 
against God and humanity." He desired its abolition, and be- 
lieved that it might be secured constitutionally, gradually, and in 
a manner beneficial to master and slave alike, and to the nation 
at large. He rejoiced when in ways far other than he had hoped, 
and in ways too, in many respects the reverse of those urged by 
ardent and sincere men from whom he differed, the day of eman- 
cipation came at length, not as man had ordained, but in God's 
own way, and in God's own time. 

He dreaded the struggle, and anticipated the crisis with anxious 
forebodings, but during all the period of the civil war his soul 
glowed with patriotic ardor. Though the strain on his sympathies 
was exhausting, the emergency gave vigor to his discourse, and 
animated him with unwonted zeal. Especially memorable is his 
sermon after the death of Lincoln, news of whose assassination 
did not reach Leicester till nearly noon of the day before it was 
delivered. 



76 

Such men as Dr. Nelson are often misunderstood, and some- 
times misrepresented, especially in times of high debate. He 
was not fitted to be a leader in revolution ; he was not a theo- 
logical nor a political combatant. He was not a man of war, but 
a man of peace. He had the spirit and the skill rather to lay- 
quietly and noiselessly, and yet securely, the foundations of social, 
moral and religious prosperity. He had no use for the weapons 
of invective and sarcasm. His gentle and loving heart recoiled 
from their indulgence. Yet, although he was not a controversialist, 
his judgments were decided, and in his own wise and quiet way he 
executed his purposes, held his position, maintained the integrity 
of his church, and nurtured its spiritual growth, in times when 
more belligerent and illustrious champions of orthodoxy and reform 
failed. He understood himself, and only a few days before his 
death he said to me, "Whatever good I have ever done, it has 
been done in a quiet and gentle way ; and I think that ministers 
in general would do more good by this quiet, gentle way, than 
by the use of the sword and sarcasm." 

He published in 1852 a volume entitled "Gatherings from a 
Pastor's Drawer" ; and in i860 a little book entitled "The Eve- 
ning." Various sermons and address^ from his pen have also at 
different times been printed. 

Dr. Nelson received the degree of D. D. from Williams College, 
in 1843. From 1826 to 1833 he was a trustee of that college, 
and from 1839 to 1848 of Amherst College. He was a trustee of 
Leicester Academy from 181 2 to the time of his death, Dec. 6, 
1 87 1, and president from May, 1834. 

He was made a Corporate Member of the American Board of 
Commissioners in 1842. 

He preached by appointment before the Massachusetts Home 
Missionary Society ; the General Association of Massachusetts ; 
the Pastoral Association ; and the Convention of Congregational 
Ministers. 

He was active in the organization, at Paxton, of the Worcester 
Central Association, Nov. 4, 1823, and preached the first sermon 
before it ; also of the Worcester Central Mission Society, at 



Holden, Nov. 1 7, 1824. Of this society he was the first president, 
retaining the ofifice twenty years. He was also one of the 
founders of the Worcester Central Conference of Churches, at 
Worcester, April 28, 1852, and was one of the preachers at that 
session. 

He was commissioned chaplain of the First Regiment of the 
Sixth Division, Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, Sept. 26, 1812; 
and discharged Oct. 8, 1828. 

It was a time when military honors were highly appreciated 
and sergeants, corporals, ensigns and lieutenants proudly bore 
their titles at town meeting and market. Accepting the position 
of chaplain, he manfully attempted to do his duty and fulfill his 
trust at the first muster. He was a good horseman in those days, 
with a fine, erect figure, well suited to adorn the Colonel's staff, 
but his part of the proceedings was to offer prayer before the 
regiment, surrounded by the officers, and mounted upon an ex- 
cited horse. He had to hold his reins, keep his eyes open, and 
use the customary language ; but he once said in describing the 
scene, that he never was sure whether he ended the service with 
whoa or amen. 

Next to his church and parish, Leicester Academy stands 
indebted to Dr. Nelson. His devotion to its welfare during the 
fifty-nine years of his service on its Board of Trustees was untiring. 
The delicate questions of administration often arising, were occa- 
sions of more anxious and perplexing thought than even the 
concerns of his parish. He fully appreciated the importance of 
its influence on the community, and freely gave his time and 
strength and the benefit of his rare wisdom for its advantage. 
He was personally interested in its teachers, and in its pupils, and 
they were always welcome to his home. His manly form, his 
benignant face, and his kind and fatherly counsels are still cher- 
ished as among the most delightful memories of the Academy, in 
the minds of hundreds of its sui-viving members. His portrait 
appropriately occupies a place of honor in "Smith Hall." 

Dr. Nelson was unfortunate in coming to the ministry just at 
the time when the ancient custom of settling a minister for life 



78 

with an estate of land was abandoned. The old records of the 
town of Leicester show that these settlements had not been for- 
tunate for the parish ; but in his case the result would have been 
quite different. He loved the soil, he was an enthusiast in agri- 
culture, and a close observer of nature. He was skillful and 
energetic in gardening, and wise in sound maxims of husbandry. 
He was one of the early advocates of systematic forestry, and 
when our villages were bare of trees and shrubs, he urged his peo- 
ple to plant shade trees, and to graft apple trees, and set them the 
example. To one of his namesakes, then in his fifth year, he 
wrote in a new year's letter, " If you do not become a minister I 
hope you will be a farmer." A few months later he wrote again, 
" I am eighty-five years old to-day. I am too old to work any 
more at tilling the ground, and I therefore send you this rake and 
hoe." 

After several changes of residence, Mr. Nelson purchased a 
house a third of a mile north of the meeting-house. It was 
while living here that he supplemented his already abundant labors, 
and sought to relieve his embarrassment by teaching in the Acad- 
emy ; going before breakfast to early prayers, and often wading 
through the deep snow-drifts of the "North Road." These 
hardships and exposures, together with his arduous service in 
times of special religious interest, were doubtless the occasion of 
much of his subsequent ill health. 

In 1828 the "Cottage on Leicester Hill," where the remainder 
of his life was spent, was built. With this abode the memory of 
Dr. and Mrs. Nelson is associated in the minds of those now 
living. This house, in the course of years, was the home of a 
large number of young people, children of relatives, and friends, 
and pupils of the Academy, who were brought into the moulding 
influence of its refinement and piety. Here were received 
impressions which helped to shape their lives, and for which they 
never ceased to be grateful. 

Miss Zibiah Willson, niece of Mrs. Nelson, and wife of Mr. 
Joseph L. Partridge, formerly principal preceptor of Leicester 
Academy, passed a considerable portion of her early life here, 



J 



79 

and, though never formally adopted, was ever regarded as one of 
the family. 

It is not the aim of this paper to picture the domestic life of 
Dr. Nelson's family. Yet it was in his home that the graces and 
beauty of his character were most conspicuous. Dr. and Mrs. 
Nelson passed through the vicissitudes, and shared the struggles 
and successes incident to a pastor's experience, through fifty-nine 
years of married life. Never were conjugal love and helpfulness 
more true and enduring ; and never was parental and filial love 
more devoted than that which existed in all the years, in the 
cottage on the hill. 

In 1864 their adopted daughter Caroline, with her husband, 
John E. Russell, now Representative of the Tenth Massachusetts 
Congressional District, came home, and took possession and 
charge of the cottage, after eight years separation, five years 
of which had been spent in Central America. In 1867 the 
house was enlarged and its interior beautified and adorned. 
Here the last years of Dr. and Mrs. Nelson were passed, in a 
home enriched with rare treasures of literature and art, and with 
the remarkable productions of Mrs. Nelson's needle. Here 
every want was supplied, and every comfort and alleviation 
provided through the thoughtful and loving ministration of 
"the children." Here too they welcomed and enjoyed the 
society of their many friends. Few men have been so fortunate 
and so happy in the home of their old age. There are few shrines 
richer in associations, or more sacred than "The Cottage." 

In the year 1S53, he with his daughter. Miss Caroline Nelson, 
took an extended tour of European countries. The incidents 
and observations of this journey were the subject of a series of 
delightful letters, published in Tlic Puritan Recorder. 

Of his reception on his return, he thus writes : 

" AVe record the hour as one never to be forgotten, when my 
beloved people received us on our entrance into Leicester, with 
a demonstration so kind, so tasteful, and so cordial ; when over 
our gateway and over the entrance to our long deserted cottage 
we met with 'Welcome,' in letters of beautiful green, to 'Home, 



8o 

Sweet Home.' We had seen abroad magnificent arches, adorned 
with the richest sculpture, and some had stood for more than two 
thousand years, the admiration of every beholder, but never had 
we seen arches which penetrated our hearts like these." 

Dr. Nelson was for many years an invalid, and during the last 
few years of his life he seldom went from home. Yet these were 
years of enjoyment. His surroundings were most congenial, and 
he was in an atmosphere of love. His old age, with all its suffer- 
ing was happy. Indeed he was never really old. He was always 
in sympathy with the pursuits and feelings of the young. 

He was a most genial and delightful companion. His 
conversation was rich in anecdote, and always breathed the spirit 
of love to all. 

His classmate, and for a time his roommate at Williams college. 
Rev. Richard Salter Storrs, D. D., the eloquent pastor of the church 
in Braintree, thus truthfully wrote of him, " He was a perfect gen- 
tleman ; that is, he treated every man with the respect and 
Christian courtesy due to his station and character, as a citizen, 
a friend, and a Christian." In his manner he was plain and 
unassuming, he was easily approachable, and had the rare instinct 
of sympathy to enter into the interests and feeling of others, 
without obtruding his own. 

In his religious life he was simple, self-distrustful, and unpre- 
tending. He claimed no preeminence, he experienced no 
ecstacies. He surrendered his will to the will of God, and trusted 
in his grace. This was the practical apphcation of all his theology, 
and the sum of his Christian experience. 

As his friend, the Rev. Dr. Blagden well expressed it. " He 
seemed' a living sermon of the truths he preached. His face, as 
you know, was a very benevolent and honest one in its expression, 
and his whole bearing as a minister of the gospel was gentle, dig- 
nified, and persuasive, without any, the least, affectation or for- 
mality." 

In the later months of the year 1871 his health and strength 
declined, and in the last weeks he was a great sufferer. 



He died Dec. 6, 1S71. His funeral was from the First Con- 
gregational Church. A brief funeral address was made by his 
associate in the pastorate, and the devotional exercises were 
conducted by Rev. Geo. W. Blagden, D. D., of Boston. He was 
buried in the family inclosure in Pine Grove Cemetery. 

Dr. Nelson descended from a strong, intelligent and pious 
ancestry. He early became a Christian, and united with the 
church. He was profoundly reverential and consecrated in spirit. 
He was preeminently judicious, and considerate in action, and sin- 
gularly broad and catholic in his moral and religious judgments. 
Forgetful of self, he was always thoughtful of the happiness of 
others. Nurtured in a genial and happy home, inured to labor 
and hardship in his struggles for an education, brought, while in 
college, into the atmosphere of a great religious awakening, and 
intense missionary zeal, and actively associated with the great 
moral and religious movements of his time, he was trained and 
fitt:;d for the ministry which he accomplished. His qualities were 
of the enduring kind. He loved his people and he loved his 
work. He was pastor of the church for nearly sixty years, and 
his loving, pure and gentle spirit won for him the lasting respect 
and affection of his people, and of all who knew him. 

Remarks by Rev. Drs. Cutler and Perkins, Hon. 
W. W. Rice, Rev. Mr. Marvin, and Mr. Maynard 
of Leicester, followed the reading of the paper. 
Mr. Rice's reminiscences of Dr. and Mrs. Nelson 
were particularly pleasing. 

The meeting was adjourned to the evening of 
Tuesday, April 19. 



82 

Adjourned meeting, Tuesday evening, April 19. 

Present: Messrs. J. A. Howland, C. Jillson, F. P. 
Rice, C. R. Johnson, Barton, J. A. Smith, Hub- 
bard, Harrington, Maynard, Estey, Lee, Meriam, 
Dickinson, Crane, Otis, Abbot, Wall, Staples, mem- 
bers; and Joseph Lovell, J, H. Bancroft, and G. E. 
Ham. — 21. 

Rev. Albert Tyler of Oxford, and Albert A. 
Lovell of Medfield, were elected corresponding 
members ; and James Jenkins of Worcester was 
admitted an active member. 

The Librarian reported 28 volumes, 128 pam- 
phlets, 44 papers, and 3 relics as additions for the 
past month. 

Mr. Joseph A. Howland announced that Oliver 
Johnson, the veteran Abolitionist, had prepared a 
review of Hon. Eli Thayer's strictures upon the 
Garrisonians, embodied in his recent lectures before 
the Society. Mr. Johnson's review would be read 
to the Society by Rev. Samuel May. Mr. Howland 
said that he was willing to give Mr. Thayer full 
credit for his service in the Kansas troubles; but 
that he condemned him for his vituperative assault 
upon the Abolitionists. Mr. Thayer's criticisms 
were outrageous, untrue, and disgraceful to the 
Society, and should not have been published in the 



83 

Proceedings. The object of the Society was to per- 
petuate history, and not to excite controversy. 

Mr. Caleb A. Wall read a valuable paper, full of 
statistics, upon "The Old Ministerial Land North 
of Front Street, and what became of it,"* 

Remarks by Messrs. Barton and Lovell followed. 

Adjourned. 



Regular meeting, Tuesday evening. May 3. 

Present: Messrs. Abbot, G. F. Clark, E. B. Crane, 
John C. Crane, Barrows, Dickinson, Estey, J. A. 
Howland, Hubbard, Leonard, Lynch, G. Maynard, 
Meriam, C. Jillson, C. R. Johnson, F. P. Rice, Per- 
kins, Otis, A. F. Simmons, C. E. Simmons, H. M. 
Smith, Sumner, Tucker, C. G. Wood, Howe, mem- 
bers; H. A. Phillips and others. — 28. 

The Librarian's report showed that 5 volumes, 45 
pamphlets, 4 papers, and 6 relics had been added to 
the Library and Museum during the last month. 

It was voted that Princeton be visited on the 
Annual Field Day, and Messrs, Francis E. Blake of 
Boston, John Brooks of Princeton, and Thomas A. 
Dickinson, were appointed the Committee of Ar- 
rangements. 

♦Printed in the IVorcesfer Daily Spy of May 3, 18S7. 



84 

Mr. John C. Crane read the following biographi- 
cal sketch of the late Col. Asa H. Waters of 
Millbury. 



ASA HOLMAN WATERS. 

BY JOHN C. CRANE. 

Asa Holman Waters was a direct descendant, in the seventh 
generation, of Richard Waters, who came from England to Salem, 
Massachusetts, with Gov. Winthrop, about 1630. He was born 
in that part of Sutton which is now Millbury, February 8, 
1808. His birthplace was opposite his late residence, on the 
spot where now stands the house of the late Samuel D. Torrey. 
His early youth was spent in attending the village schools, and 
about the armory of his father, which was built the year in which 
he was born. At this armory his father was engaged in making 
arms for the government, under large contracts. Asa Kennt-y 
had established the first brass foundry in central Massachusetts, 
at what is now West Millbury, and all the brass work for the 
armory of Mr. Waters was there cast. Col. Waters, when a boy, 
was often employed journeying to and fro between the armory 
and the foundry. While thus engaged, he saw much of Thomas 
Blanchard, the inventor of the eccentric lathe, whose shop was 
opposite that of his rival, Asa Kenney, the brass founder. 
Young Waters by these journeys gathered much material that 
was useful to him in after years, as the biographer of Thomas 
Blanchard. 

In the contest between those two men, Kenney and Blanchard, 
for the right to the eccentric lathe. Col. Waters was greatly 
interested. He attended the hearing which was held at the Old 
Common in Millbury. The matter had been referred to a board 
of arbitrators, and the hearing lasted several days. Hon. Salem 



85 

Towne, of Charlton, was chairman of the board. Blanchard's 
counsel were Gov. Levi Lincoln and Hon. John Davis, of Wor- 
cester. Counsel for Kcnney, Hon. Samuel Hoar, of Concord, 
and Hon. Jonas L. Sibley, of Sutton. In the progress of the case, 
the models of both parties were exhibited, and to give Col. Waters' 
own words to me, '' Kenney exhibited a beautiful brass model, 
polished like a mirror. Blanchard exhibited a rather clumsy 
wooden model, about four feet long." He said when he first saw 
the beautiful model presented by Kenney, so perfect in workman- 
ship, it really seemed to him that Kenney ought to have the case. 
The hearing being over, Thomas Blanchard was adjudged to be 
the inventor of the eccentric lathe. 

Col. Waters left home at the age of sixteen, and entered Mon- 
son Academy, where he was fitted forcolKge. He also attended 
for a while a school at Wilbraham. He entered Yale College in 
1825, and in 1S29 was graduated with honor in a class of seventy- 
seven, having just reached his niajority. He studied law in the 
Harvard Law School and was admitted a member of the bar, in 
the Court of Common Pleas, at Dedham, in 1835, and commis- 
sioned a Justice of the Peace the same year by Gov. Armstrong. 
His commission as justice, was renewed by Gov. Morton, in 1843, 
by Gov. Briggs, in 1850, and by Gov. Gardner, in 1S57. His 
commission as Aid-de-Camp to Gov. Morton is dated March 20, 
1843. He became a member of the Worcester County Horticul- 
tural Society in 1842, and being a great lover of fruits and flowers, 
ever took great interest in the proceedings of the Society. 

The increasing business of his father called him to leave his briefs 
and clients behind. Judging from the ability displayed in the 
business life of Col. Waters, there is no doubt he would have 
risen to eminence, had he continued in the profession through 
life. On many important occasions, his advice was often sought, 
and events afterwards proved the soundness of the legal advice 
given. 

But neither the law nor business was his true sphere. Had 
not Col. Waters felt it to be his duty to come to the aid of his 
father in his increasing business, there is no doubt a literary life 



86 

would have been his choice. But it was destined in a measure to 
be otherwise. Having left the practice of the law, he associated him- 
self with his father at the armory, as Asa Waters & Son, and the 
business was thus carried on till the death of his father. 

In a former paper on his father, read before this Society, I have 
given a detailed account of the gun business, there carried on, 
and of the many improvements invented and put in practical 
use by the elder Asa Waters. Richard Waters, the associate of 
Gov. Winthrop, of Colonial fame, was a gun-maker. The stirring 
times of the Revolution brought to the front two descendants of 
the same Richard Waters, Andrus and Asa, Sutton born, to take 
up the same employment, and become mighty helpers in the strug- 
gle for national independence. The war of 1812, found another 
Waters, Asa 2d, engaged in the same business at Armory Village, 
preparing arms for the second and final contest with Great Brit- 
ain, and he supplied the Government with arms throughout the 
war. 

In 1 84 1 , Asa Waters 2d departed this life honored and full of years 
but his mantle fell on one in every way worthy to be Vis successor. 
The business was continued with vigor and success, by the subject 
of this sketch, until 1845, when all the private armories were 
unjustly suspended by order of Gen. Talcott, who was afterwards 
court martialed, proved guilty of embezzlement, and sent in dis- 
grace out of Washington. The armory was, at one time, rented 
to Col. J. D. Green, who manufactured his patent rifles, on a con- 
tract for the Russian government. Mr. Green was Lieut. Col. of 
the Massachusetts 5 th Regiment, which was so distinguished at 
Manassas and Bull Run. He was afterwards transferred to the 
regular army. 

At the breaking out of the Civil War, 186 1-5, the Government 
again sought the aid of a Waters in time of peril. An agent of 
the Government waited upon Col. Waters, and urged him to again 
resume the business of gun-making. The Colonel calmly thought 
the matter over, and stated that he had become engaged in other 
pursuits, that his business of gun-making had been unjustly sus- 
pended by the Government in 1845, that some of the machinery 



87 

had become unfit from not Ijeing used, that his workmen had be- 
come scattered, and many were engaged in other pursuits ; that 
it would involve a heavy expense to again manufocture guns com- 
plete. The agent acknowledged the injustice alleged, and gave 
Col. Waters his choice of making certain parts of guns. Having 
a strong desire to aid the C.overnment in its efforts to suppress 
the insurrection, that, like the shadow of death spread over the 
land, he [tromised the help at that time most sorely needed. He 
chose as his part the manufacture of rods and bayonets. He 
continued the business through the years of the war, employed as 
many as two hundred hands, and part of the time the works were 
run night and day. Thus for the third time in the history of our 
country, the Waters family of ancient Sutton was engaged in 
time of war in sui)plying weapons for the Government. Thus 
the armory of Asa Waters had become an historical spot, and 
attracted large numbers of the most skilled mechanics in the 
country, and a thriving, industrious community grew up around it. 

The foundations of many fortunes were laid here, and the suc- 
cess of the town of Millbury is greatly due to the armory of Asa 
Waters & Son, and the name of Armory Village is thus derived. 

At the close of the war of the rebellion, he turned again to 
other forms of manufacturing, namely, running an extensive cot- 
ton mill, with the firm name of A. H. Waters & Co., and still later 
the Atlanta Mill Co., of which he was President, was formed for 
the manufacture of woolen goods. He also built the Stillwater 
mill about 1855, which at the time was one of the finest mills in 
the Blackstone Valley, a beautiful piece of architecture, which 
ornamented the town until it was burned. He retired from busi- 
ness life altogether about 1870, in possession of a fortune which was 
rightfully his own. As a business man he was eminently success- 
ful. During thirty-three years of active business, he never failed 
to meet his obligations promptly, although he passed through 
two of the greatest financial panics the country has ever known, 
those of '37 and '57. 

He was a man of incorruptible integrity. His word was as 
good as his bond, and he never left a promise unfulfilled ; his 



88 

well-known signature was gladly seen in financial institutions. 
His sound judgment and painstaking care were never lacking. To 
the humblest and poorest his courtesy was unfailing. He never 
sought official position, but was honored by his fellow citizens 
with all of the important offices of the town. He was President, 
and for many years a Director of the Millbury Bank, which was 
founded by his father in 1825 ; and long occupied the position of 
postmaster. He was a member of the legislature in '48, '49, and 
a member of the Constitutional Convention held in Boston in 
1854. 

With the formation of the Free-Soil party, he left his former 
political associations and identified himself heartily with the new 
movement. He became a public speaker in its behalf, and was 
very successful in carrying the voters with him in towns where he 
spoke. From these Free-Soil associations, he passed naturally 
into the Republican party, and rejoiced in the election of Presi- 
dent Lincoln in i860. 

In 1854-5 he participated heartily in what is known as the Eli 
Thayer movement to save for freedom the great state of Kansas. 
These were the days of John Brown and border warfare, and the 
work done by the friends of freedom in New England at that 
time, had much to do in giving shape to the subsequent history 
of the country. On the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, 
in 1 86 1, he, being then fifty-three years old, set at once vigorously 
at work raising a company to make one of the companies of a 
local regiment. On some memorandum papers which he left is 
one containing the names of over seventy men which were enrolled 
through his agency, and who were enthusiastic in their desire 
that he should be their captain. He had also the names of enough 
to complete the company, but many of his fellow citizens did not 
share 'his zeal at that time, and thought his enterprize unnecessary, 
so that he did not complete his work of a full company. 

Considerable money was spent by him in keeping these men 
together, as the law made no provision for the payment or sub- 
sistence of volunteer recruits until they were called to active 
duty. All this expense was assumed and paid by him. Most of 



89 

the men, however, afterwards went to the war, though the town had 
to pay them bounties. This movement of Col. Waters was early, 
and before the bounty system had been brought into general 
operation. 

As a public writer he took high rank. He was many times en- 
gaged in newspaper controversies, defending what he believed to 
be correct history. In all such matters his aim was to be per- 
fectly accurate. One such minor contest was in regard to the 
right name of a pond in his native place, wrongfully called, as 
he always contended, " Dority Pond," but which he claimed 
should be called Dorothy. 

One of the greatest contests in which he was engaged, was the 
memorable one with the IVorcesk-r Daily Spy, in 1877. Col. 
Waters was a great unbeliever in lost arts, and contributed several 
articles fur the jjress upon this subject, many times arraigning Wen- 
dell Phillips for the statements made in his lecture on the " Lost 
Arts." His visit tj Europe and the East only strengthened him 
in his lielief that the lost arts were not lost at all, but arts laid 
aside. He found, particularly in the East, as he stated to me, the 
old primitive ways of doing work as in IMble times, namely, 
])lownng with rude implements, women grinding at the mill, and 
the like. And from his investigations and thorough searching for 
the truth, he had summed up the matter in this way, which I will 
give in his own words : 

" Before closing, I wish to say a word on lost arts without going 
into the subject //; exttniso. From a limited examination, I be- 
lieve the truth to be this. Since the days of the ancients, a great 
number of the arts have been abandoned for better methods, and 
as the world moves in its onward progress, this process is con- 
stantly repeated year by year, but it cannot be shown that a single 
art of any value has been lost, which has not been supplemented 
by something better. After much research and reflection, I ven- 
ture to repeat a few conclusions arrived at in my own mind. ist. 
That motive power, other than human and animal, and also power 
machinery, were mosdy unknown to the ancients. 2d. That in 
manufacturing, they never got beyond the hand loom and distaff. 
12 



90 

3d. That we find no mention by them of any machinery what- 
ever which in complexity could compare with a common 
watch. The machines chiefly referred to in ancient history are 
the battering ram, the balista and the catapult. These were all 
rude contrivances operated by hand, and would not now be classi- 
fied under the head of power machinery. Recent explorations 
have furnished evidence quite satisfactory, I think, to establish 
the above positions." 

The contest in the IVorcester Spy above referred to, was brought 
about by the publication, in that paper, of the discovery of very 
complex machinery for spinning and weaving, in the ruins of 
Carthage, described in the introduction to a work on Weaving, 
by Clinton G. Gilroy, of England. Col. Waters, fresh from the 
ruins of the old world, and having been a manufacturer, and 
knowing much about cotton and woolen machinery, doubted the 
truth of the article. 

The contest waxed warm, lasted several months, and attracted 
much attention. The result of the matter was, that Col. Waters 
succeeded in procuring a letter from Gilroy himself, acknowledg- 
ing the whole introduction to his work a fraud, and the alleged 
discovery of a wonderful loom and other strange things at Car- 
thage, myths, the fabrications of his own brain. Col. Waters, 
laboring in the interest of truth, had the book by Gilroy, in the 
Congressional Library at Washington, indelibly stamped as i/n/r- 
liable. I give Mr. Gilroy's letter of confession : 

"St. Louis, July 6, 1877. 
" Dear Sir: — Although that entire introduction to my work on 
weaving is a take-off on men who 

'Angle hourly to surprise, 
And bait their hooks with prejudice and lies,' 

yet it, that entire production is of my invention and //e.w^w/ri/ to 
expose 'some people,' who claim to be great inventors in these 
last times : 

"Jg@"So that you must look upon all the discoveries spoken of 
in that introduction, as coming under the E. K. Arphaxed horo- 



91 

scope. With regard to the modes of manufacture in use among 
the ancients, there is not a trace of power loom machinery of 
their invention ; not a trace of Danforth frames and of self-acting 
mules ; not a trace, — all %vas done by hand. 

" Very truly yours, 

"CLINTON G. GILROY." 

He also had a long and spirited contest with Oliver Johnson, 
in the Coinmonivcalth, on the agency of Mr. Garrison and his 
associates, in regard to the removal of American Slavery. Col. 
AVaters took the ground that these men claimed for themselves, 
and were by many credited with an influence in this respect, 
which by no means belonged to them ; and that other men and 
other agencies had more to do in securing the destruction of 
slavery, than did the Garrisonian Abolitionists. His opinion in 
substance was, that before Mr. Garrison began his movement 
there was a wide spread anti-slavery sentiment all over the North, 
which would never accept Mr. Garrison's methods of work, but 
kept on in its own way, counting its voters in larger numbers year 
l)y year, until at length this sentiment was embodied in the Free- 
Soil party, in the Republican party, and finally in the election to 
the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln. When this end was reached 
the South plunged the nation into civil war. To put down that 
reliellion, the North took up arms, and found at length that the 
way to suppress it was to destroy the system of American Slavery. 
But it was difficult to see how the little handful of people who 
made up what was technically known as the (Harrison party, could 
have had anything but a minor and indirect hand in securing this 
result. 

Col. Waters was a warm admirer of the talents displayed by 
Thomas Blanchard. and was a personal friend of the great in- 
ventor. An excellent article on Blanchard was furnished by him 
for the Sutton history, giving a brief sketch of his life. He also 
wrote a more extended one which was published in Harpers' 
Magazine, July, 1881. The article was extensively copied. 
Some years later it was republished in the P/iihuh-lpIiia yoi/nial 



92 

of Progress, with a portrait of Mr. Blanchard. At one time there 
was doubt as to which town, Oxford or Sutton, belonged the honor 
of giving birtli to the great inventor. CoL Waters always con- 
tended that the honor belonged to the historic old town of Sutton, 
and he proved it by documentary evidence. He once said to me that 
he met Mr. Blanchard coming from the State House, in Boston, 
many years ago, and who- said to him, "I have been up there to 
find out where I was born, but I give it up." Subsequent investi- 
gation by Col. Waters settled the matter in favor of Sutton. 

He preserved and placed on record several anecdotes of Mr. 
Blanchard, that would otherwise have been lost. It was his delight 
to talk of him and to show that his invention of the eccentric lathe 
led to the interchange system. Having myself recently written a 
paper on Thomas Blanchard, I furnished Col. Waters with a copy, 
and in a letter I received from him after reading my article, he said, 
"You need have no fear of extolling his marvellous genius in 
mechanics too highly. Few if any inventions have ever been made 
which have been applied to so many useful purposes, as his ec- 
centric lathe. It has led to what is called the interchange system, 
a system which has revolutionized all the workshops in this country, 
and for the most part in Europe." 

Two extended articles on the Interchange System were written 
by Col. Waters, and published in the Boston papers some years 
ago. I was recently informed by him, that at one time he was 
requested by Gen. Ben^t, Chief of the Ordinance Depart- 
ment, at Washington, to write an exhaustive article on the Inter- 
change System, for use in that department, and for the general 
public. I know it was his intention to have done so. Other 
historical articles were furnished by him for the Sutton history, 
namely: "North Parish Families," "Gun Making," also one on 
"Sutton in the Revolution." 

His mother was a daughter of Jonathan Holman, Colonel of 
the Sutton Regiment in the Revolution. Col. Holman had also 
fought in the French and Indian war. In the mansion of Col. 
Waters there is a life size portrait of Col. Holman. Col. Waters 
furnished much historical information for the Worcester County 



93 

History, and other histories and pubUcations to which his name 
is not appended. Probably no man in the Blackstone Valley so 
well knew the history of the Blackstone Canal, and water rights 
in connection therewith on the busy stream. His advice was often 
sought in regard to the great sewer problem, in which he was 
much interested. And when some grew impatient with him for 
moving in such a careful ifianner, he stood up in presence of his 
fellow townsmen and told them it was not advisable to move in a 
hasty manner ; that Millbury should not alone try to bear the 
brunt of the battle, that other towns should come to their aid. 

He also furnished a paper on the " Electric Telegrajjh," and 
as it contains much that is historically valuable, I will give the 
report of it entire. 

"At a monthly meeting of the Millbury Natural History 
Society, in 1SS5, Col. Waters read a very interesting paper, in 
which he discussed the question as to who was the inventor of 
the ' Electric Telegra]:)h,' and showed that the honor had been 
unjustly given to S. F. B. Morse. Prof. Morse first took the idea 
from Dr. Jackson, of Boston, l)ut being wholly lacking in scientific 
knowledge and training, his experiments were wholly unsuccessful. 
In his extremity he took Dr. Leonard (lale into council, who 
being fully a scientific man, as Morse was not, quickly constructed 
the apparatus which made the telegraph instantly a success. Dr. 
Gale was enabled to do this by his familiarity with electric science, 
and the studies and experiments by Prof. Joseph Henry, late of 
the Smithsonian Institution. The real inventors *vere Dr. Jackson, 
Prof. Josei)h Henry, and Dr. "Leonard Gale. Morse invented the 
dash and dot alphabet, and this was his only real contribution to 
the telegraph. To Morse, however, belongs the real credit of 
bringing the invention before the public, securing government aid 
in the construction of the first line between Washington and Balti- 
more, and so accomplishing its commercial success. 

"The first line was constructed under the direction of Dr. Gale, 
and was entirely successful, and was the infant which has grown 
to the monstrous projjortions of a company which now pays 
dividends on a capital of $80,000,000. 



94 

" Dr. Gale was born in Millbury, where W. R. Cunningham now 
lives. He received his early training in the schools of this town. 
He was a schoolmate of Col. Waters, and a correspondent during 
his college life. He afterwards occupied a professor's chair in 
several colleges. He was for many years an examiner in the 
Patent Office, at Washington, from which position he was removed 
by President Buchanan, because he refused to surrender his anti- 
slavery principles. 

" Col. Waters suggested that the town ought to provide some 
suitable memorial to both Dr. Gale and Thomas Blanchard, whose 
lives and achievements shed lustre upon the town of Millbury. A 
hearty vote of thanks was extended to Col. Waters for his 
valuable paper." 

In 1874, Col. Waters, in company with his wife and two daugh- 
ters, visited Constantinople, one of his daughters residing there 
being the wife of Prof. E. A. Grosvenor, of Robert College in 
that city. He visited many of the principal places in Europe and 
the East. In the antiquities of Egypt — the Sphinx, the Pyramids, 
etc., he was much interested. On the 14th of March, 1876, he 
ascended the great pyramid of Gizeh, 461 feet in height. 

In all matters of early history, the primitive manner of doing 
work, the ways and customs of the people of the old world, and 
all connected therewith, had been a study with him. He wa.s,/>ar 
excellence the most thorough antiquarian of his native town. The 
opportunity afforded by this visit to the old world was well im- 
proved. His mind, already stored with historical facts upon these 
places and subjects, was ready to grat*j every idea connected there- 
with. The ruins of the old countries were well inspected by him. 
He was a man not satisfied with a hasty examination of anything. 
A subject was mastered by him to its very bottom. His visit to 
Europe and the East was extended over a period of two years 
and during that time a valuable fund of information was added to 
a mind already well filled. Much of the knowledge there gathered 
was found useful to him in later years. 

He returned improved in health and spirits, marking out for 



95 

himself man)' plans in literary work, in which he was so much 
enyaL^ed. 

Col. Waters, throughout his busy life, took a great interest in 
the affiiirs .of his native town, and in all of the important ques- 
tions that came before his fellow citizens he took an active part. 
His voice was often heard in their gatherings, in support of meas- 
ures he considered for the best interests of the town. He was a 
conservative, careful man, and strongly opposed those who sought 
to burden the town with heavy debts. In town meeting he was 
listened to with close attention; his commanding presence, and 
well chosen, forcible language, won the respect of all. Those 
op])()sed to him recognized his great abilitiLS and admitted 
the honesty of his intentions. If the cause he supported was not 
popular, it was enough for him to know that it was just. As a 
pnlilic speaker, in his prime, he had few equals. His liberal edu- 
cation, great command of language, in his own and other tongues, 
his knowledge of many departments of business, law and history, 
and a mind stored with information upon so many subjects, gave 
him a power that held an audience at will. 

The grand old mansi>)n built by his father, in 1829, by his 
father's death, came into his possession. The stately trees by 
which it is surrounded were planted by his own hands. Grand 
and lofty, the solid old structure has well withstood the hand 
of time. In this quiet retreat, just removed from the turmoil 
of Imsy life, Col. Waters passed the score of years allotted to 
him after his business life closed. He said, " I well know what 
there is abroad, but after all, give me this, my home." 

His library was a chosen retreat for him. There, surrounded 
by well-stocked shelves of books, containing the best thoughts of 
authors living and dead, he passed much of his time. His pen 
was never so busy but that he gladly laid it aside to act the part 
of the genial host. And well could he act the part. Rarely have 
I met his ecjual. His manner was, once a friend, always a friend. 
I think no man could spend an afternoon with him, without be- 
coming convinced that his host had a rare gift of intellect, that 
he could grasp a subject with a power enjoyed by few men. His 
manner was genial and kind, and at once his guest felt at home. 



96 

He was quick to detect literary talent. It was to him a pleasure 
to assist such as possessed it to famQ and fortune, if it was to be, 
and wish them a hearty God-speed. He assisted many such, by 
advice and encouragement as to plans and methods of literary work. 
His fund of anecdotes was inexhaustible, and often did he draw from 
liis resources in this respect, to the delight of all who listened. 
His character for honesty and integrity was never questioned. 
In all his dealings with those about him, and in his employ, he 
acted in a spirit of justice, never forgetting that the poorest man 
had his rights. Proud of his ancestry, on both his father's and 
mother's side, he yet gave to the humblest his rightful due. But 
the grandest element in his character, was his faith in the God of 
his fathers, and his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. His testimony 
living, and his handwriting yet speaking, proclaims his abiding 
faith in the book of God's word. 

He married Mary Elizabeth, daughter of the late Daniel Hovey, 
of Sutton, June 27, 1849. Their children are Isabel Holman, 
Lilian Hovey, wife of Prof. E. A. Grosvenor, and Florence 
Elizabeth. In all his domestic relations, he was the dutiful son, 
the kind husband, the loving father, and the ever genial host. After 
a ripe old age, remarkably free from its common infirmities, he 
departed this life, Jan. 17, 1887, with "that which should accom- 
pany old age, as honor, love, obedience, troops of friends." 

At the time of his death he was, with one exception, the oldest 
native born citizen of Millbury. His funeral was attended by a 
large concourse of his fellow citizens, and many prominent men 
from other parts of the State, Rev. Dr. S. G. Buckingham, of Spring- 
field, Rev. Stacy Fowler, of Boston, Rev. George A. Putnam, of 
Millbury, and his pastor, Rev. John L. Ewell, taking part in the 
exercises. 

In closing this sketch of one who played such an important 
part in the business, social, political and literary history of Wor- 
cester County, I wish to say, it is fitting that this Society should 
seek to place on record his achievments, leaving as he does, a 
name that shines forth as a bright example, for generations yet 
to come. 



CORRECTION: Page 96, Line 16. Col. Waters married Mary Elizabeth, 
daughter of the late Susan (Jacobs) and Daniel Ilovey. 



97 

Mr. J. A. Howland spoke pleasantly of Colonel 
Waters, and explained that the rupture in the Gar- 
risonian party which occurred in 1840, at which 
time Colonel Waters left it, was due to the placing 
of "a )ouno- Millbury school teacher," — Abby Kelly 
— upon one of the committees. 

Some discussion on the invention of the electric 
telegraph was participated in by the Secretary, and 
Messrs. H. M. Smith and Howland. 

Mr. F. P. Rice spoke at some length in reply to 
the denunciatory remarks of Mr. J. A. Howland, at 
the last meeting, on the subject of Hon. Eli Thayer's 
lectures before the Society. Mr. Rice said : 

"It is safe to say that this puhhcation is the most important 
one ever made bv the Society ; it has attracted attention through- 
out the cinmtr}', and it has been widely noticed in the pubhc 
press, while letters have been received from many eminent men 
who strongly commend the pamphlet as a valuable contribution 
to history. So far as the criticisms and opinions of the Gar- 
risonians are concerned, they occupy in space only a fraction of 
the essay ; and the citations from the Liberator, and from letters, 
speeches, resolutions, etc., of the Garrisonians, no one can reason- 
ably object to, when used, as in this case, to illustrate their 
methods and policy. If Mr. Thayer has made statements that 
are not true, he is open to correction. But we should not over- 
look the great importance of the i)urely historical part of the 
lectures. 

"Some have expressed the opinion that the Society ought not 
to consider or discuss matters which tend to excite controversy, 
but the presentation of any historical subject of moment is sel- 
dom unattended by it ; in fact, it is often the case that only by 

13 



98 

controversy can we arrive at the truth. In regard to the revival 
of dead issues, which may inflame the passions and operate to 
create dissension, the Garrisonians are as much to blame as the 
other side, for they continue to indulge in taunts and flings to 
this day ; as evidenced in the recent republication by a prominent 
Abolitionist, of virulent anti-slavery tracts against the church and 
clergy." 

Mr. Rice then read portions of letters from Prof. 
L. W. Spring, the historian of Kansas ; Hon. Rob- 
ert C. Winthrop, Ex-Senators Doohttle and Trum- 
bull, Prof, George P. Fisher, Hon, George Ticknor 
Curtis, Hon.*George S. Boutwell, Hon. Hannibal 
Hamlin, Rev. L. W. Bacon, Hon, John Sherman, 
Bishop Huntington, Horace White, Hon. Richard 
Mott, Hon. John Bigelow, Rev. E. E. Hale, Sen- 
ator Dawes, Rieht Hon. W. E. Gladstone, Prof. 
Brooks Adams, and Col. Homer B. Sprague, most 
of them expressing cordial approval of Mr. Thayer's 
lectures.* Extracts from several prominent journals 
*were also read or referred to, which reviewed 
favorably the lectures as published by the Society. 

Mr. Howland rejoined that it was the spirit of 
Mr. Thayer's remarks that he objected to, and that 
his abusive epithets and false statements should not 
have been printed in the Society's Proceedings. 

The discussion was further engaged in by Messrs. 
Rice. H. M. Smith. Howland, and Rev. Dr. Perkins. 

* Many other letters from distinguished persons have since been received. 



99 

The latter said, that while he did not approve Mr. 
Thayer's methods of discussion, he was convinced 
that his views would be sustained by history. He, 
himself, had always been a strong anti-slavery man, 
but he had been abused by the Garrisonians as being 
pro-slavery, because he did not believe in their man- 
ner of opposing the institution. 
Adjourned. 



Special meeting, Tuesday evening, May lo, at 
Natural History Hall. 

About sixty members and visitors attended. 

Rev. Samuel May, of Leicester, read a Review of 
Hon. Eli Thayer's lectures on the New England 
Emigrant Aid Company, prepared by Oliver John- 
son, Esq. This was followed by remarks from Hon. 
W. W. Rice and Mr. J. A. Howland. A vote of 
thanks to Rev. Mr. May was unanimously passed.* 



* The proceedin.ijs of this meeting and Mr. Johnson's Review, have been 
]ii"i.itc(l as No. X.W. of the ]')ul)licalions of the Society. 



lOO 

Regular meeting-, Tuesday evening, June 7. 

Present : Messrs. Abbot, Brooks, Crane, Cutler, 
Dickinson, Estey, Gould, J. A. Howland, Hubbard, 
Jackson, Lyford, Lynch, Marvin, G. Maynard, 
Meriam, Otis, Parker, Perkins, F. P. Rice, Seagrave, 
H. M, Smith, Staples, Stedman, Tucker, C. G. 
Wood, Dodge, and nine visitors. — 35. 

The Librarian reported 3 1 5 additions since the 
last meetinor. 

Rev. A. P. Marvin, of Lancaster, read his essay 
on "The Puritans of Massachusetts Bay," etc. The 
paper was followed by some discussion, in which 
several engaged. Henry L. Parker, Esq., stated 
that he should like to prepare a paper, to be given 
at some future meeting, upon the Puritan policy as 
viewed from the Church of England standpoint. He 
was cordially invited to do so by the President. 

Mr. Marvin's paper is here printed in full. 



lOI 



THE PURITANS OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY: 

WHO WERE THEY ? WHAT CAUSED THEM TO 

LEAVE ENGLAND ? WHY DH) THEY COME 

HERE ? WHAT DID THEY DO HERE ? 

BY REV. A. P. MARVIN. 

No one can understand the history of Massachusetts, and the 
character of her institutions, without learning, in the first place, 
the character and the designs of the early settlers. The question 
is. Who were the Puritans of Massachusetts Bay? Why did they 
I'jave England ? \\'hy did they come here ? And what did they 
do here? 

This preliminary question in regard to Puritans and Puritanism 
is important, because an error on this point has vitiated much 
speaking antl writing in relation to our forefathers and their 
deeds. 

Puritans and Pilgrims are often treated as being very different 
in design and spirit, and one class has been honored to the dis- 
paragement of the other, when they were generically and even 
specifically alike. 

Confining ourselves to English history, there were reformers in 
the time of \Viclif, who wrought a great work, which, though sup- 
pressed in the reigns of the Lancaster princes, still smouldered in 
its ashes. 

The Reformation broke out anew in the reign of Henry VIII., 
and, omitting the brief episode of Mary's rule, it made Great 
Britain a Protestant country. 

The change in religion wrought a change in morals, and in the 
standard of Christian experience and living. A class of men 
sprang up who demanded an improvement in doctrine, in ritual. 



I02 

and in church government. They insisted on discarding the 
papal rule, and everything in worship that was tainted with 
idolatry or superstition. But the Protesters were not all united. 
Some were satisfied with throwing off the papal supremacy in 
civil and national affairs, while adhering to the papacy as a 
hierarchy, and acknowledging the pope of Rome in regard to all 
matters ecclesiastical. Another class made a clean breach with 
Rome as a ruling power in both church and state. These, at first, 
constituted the great Protestant party. But it was soon found 
that there was a diversity of opinions in the Protestant ranks. 

Some clung to the old as much as possible without reverting to 
Roman Catholicism. Others wished to carry the Reformation 
further, and hence arose a body of men nicknamed Puritans, in 
derision ; but the name has become a titltf of honor. 

Puritan is a large term, including several varieties. There were 
I, — Puritan Conformists ; 2,— Puritan Non-conformists; 3, — Pu- 
ritan Presbyterians and Congregationalists ; and 4, — Puritan Sep- 
aratists. 

The Puritan Conformists were those good and godly people 
who labored and prayed for a further reformation in the Church 
of England, but who strictly complied with the ritual and rubrics, 
and carefully avoided any actions which would expose them to 
the censure of the government, in relation to ecclesiastical 
matters. 

The Puritan Non-conformists embraced^ those who adhered to 
the Church of England ; believed in p' ^^cy • loved t^he prayer 
book, and clung to the old church and . .v^i^li-yard as sacred, but 
desired to have certain errors expunged from tlie baptismal cere- 
mony, and some blemishes removed from other parts of the 
service. This party included a large number of churchmen in 
the reign of James I., and an increasing number in the time of 
Charles I. 

The Puritan Presbyterians and Congregationalists or Independ- 
ents, rejected the Episcopal government, and the use of the 
prayer book, while adhering to the Articles of Faith, in use by the 
Church of England. In Scotland, the Presbyterian theory pre- 



I03 

vailed. It was planted in England in the early years of the 
Commonwealth, — particularly in London and Lancashire — but 
was generally supplanted by Independency, which included Con- 
gregationalists. Baptists, and others, perhaps ; and which was 
transplanted to this country. 

The Puritan Separatists were the extreme Independents, who, 
agreeing with Episcopalians, Presbyterians and Congregationalists 
in all important doctrines, and in their view of the Christian life, 
yet who came out of the Church of England as apostate, and 
refused to hold communion with it as a branch of the church 
universal. 

According to this classification, the poet Herbert was a Puritan 
( onformist. He might have rejected the name, when used in the 
general sense, which was subject to reproach ; but his strictness 
of life, saintliness of deportment, and devotional sentiment, allied 
hi;n to the great Puritan body. 

A great number of the clergy, in the time of James and Charles, 
were Puritan non-conformists, including cjuite a portion of those 
who afterwards became pastors in New England. They remained 
in the Church of England years after they ceased to conform en- 
tirely to the rubrics. Such statesmen as Hampden, Vane, Pym, 
Lords Say and Seal, Lord Brook, the f2arl of Warwick, Oliver 
Cromwell, and others were non-conforming churchmen of the 
Puritan stamp, many years before they came into open conflict 
with the authorities of tb^ State church. Some of these never 
went to the extremity off- "leaving the old church of their fathers, 
though they took up arms'' m favor of the parliament. 

Among the Presbyterian Puritans was Richard Baxter; and 
among the Congregational Puritans were John Howe and John 
Owen. John Bunyan was another, but of the Baptist variety. 
John Milton was a Puritan in principle, in purity of life, and in 
severity of taste. Some of these withdrew from the national 
church, and some were cast out by the act of exclusion, in 1662, 
when two thousand Puritan ministers were driven from their 
pulpits and parishes. 



I04 

John Robinson, and probably the larger part of the ministers, 
elders and membership of the churches formed in the northeast 
of England, in London, and in a few other places, between 1 5 80 and 
1620, were Separatists, the very quintessence of Puritanism; in 
the words of Robert Hall, the "dissidence of Dissent" ; but 
Robinson and his immediate followers, on further inquiry and ex- 
perience, receded from their extreme position, and held fellowship 
with all Protestant Christians. In this country, Roger Williams, 
for a time, was the typical Separatist, and cut loose from commu- 
nion, not only with the Episcopai church, but from communion 
and joint worship with all the colonists who would not formally 
renounce and condemn their former connection with the national 
church of England. 

By overlooking these distinctions many have fallen into serious 
error. It is to be noted also, that many men of historical renown, 
passed through several stages of development in the period 
between 1580 and 1640. For example, one who was born into a 
Catholic family, say in 1560, might become a Protestant at the 
age of twenty-five, but of the highest kind of high church stripe. 
In the progress of inquiry, and amid the conflict of opinions, be- 
come a Puritan conformist, but earnestly desiring reformation in 
many particulars ; the next step would be to that of Puri- 
tan non-conformity. He did not withdraw from the national 
church, nor wish to break away from diocesan Episcopacy, or the 
use of the prayer book, or to discard all church vestments ; but 
there were many things in the ritual as to garments, and emblems, 
and postures, which he considered as savoring of papal idolatry and 
superstition, and which he could not conform to, as bowing before 
the cross, using holy water, etc. Moreover, if his minister 
preached error, he claimed the right to worship in some other 
church, and he united with others like-minded, in setting up other 
services. 

If a clergyman, he took the liberty to discard the customs and 
usages which he considered unscriptural, while using the prayer 
book, with exceptions, and holding himself in allegiance to his 
ecclesiastical superiors, in all things lawful. In this class were 



I05 

many clergymen, and more laymen, in the reigns of James and 
his son Charles. 

Moreover, by this time, another class, not large, but growing 
rapidly, had adopted the Presbyterian or the Congregational polity. 
So it came to pass that a man might have been a Roman Catholic, 
a high church conforming Episcopalian, a non-conforming Church- 
man, and a non-prelatical Dissenter in the course of his life. It 
is correct therefore to speak of Sir John Eliot, John Pym, and 
other great statesmen of that age, as Puritans, but Puritans of the 
non-conforming class. Vane, the younger, Cromwell and others, 
went through the Presbyterian phase into Congregationalism. 
Milton was a non-conformist of the highest type till he became 
an Independent. And like all the others above mentioned, he 
was a Puritan in sentiment, doctrine, mode of worship, morals 
and taste. 

Lord Macaulay took occasion to say that Milton was not a 
Puritan. It is one of the few blemishes in his immortal history. 
Like his snappish remark about the Puritan cruelty in slaying 
beasts kept for sport, and about the "brayings of Exeter Hall," it 
was written when he was smarting under his rejection by the voters 
of Edinburgh. For the moment he took for the typical " Puri- 
tan," the crop-haired, snuffling, narrow-minded sectary, satir- 
ized in the pages of Hudibras, and in the plays of the foul-minded, 
rotten-hearted wits of the Restoration. He knew, but ignored the 
fact, that the mighty Puritan party which dethroned Charles, and 
wrought the great change in the English government, contained 
many of the nobility, and nearly half the gentry of England. 
The house of commons in 1640, and on, had a valuation double 
or triple that of the house of lords ; and the great mass of Eng- 
lish yeomen were on the republican side. Not only piety and 
severe morals were enlisted in the Puritan revolution, but wealth, 
learning, science, the highest talent for statesmanship and war, 
and the finest literary ability and taste. The manners of many 
of the leading Puritans were as elegant and courtly as those of 
the best and highest of the king's adherents. 

In all essential points the settlers of Plymouth and of Massa- 
chusetts Kay were alike. Pilgrim or Puritan, they were English 
14 



io6 

Protestants, who abjured the particular rites of Rome, and the 
Episcopal imitations of the papacy. They believed that prelacy 
was unscriptural, and they preferred the spontaneous prayer of an 
earnest heart, to prescribed, or as they sometimes styled it, 
"stinted prayer." Both parties came in time on to the same 
church platform. Both were Pilgrims, with the difference that 
the settlers of the Bay came directly from England, while those of 
Plymouth came round by Holland. They made two removes 
instead of one. The main differences which were developed here 
in maintaining government and dealing with sectaries, grew out 
of peculiar circumstances ; but the two were fundamentally the 
same. 

II. Why did the Puritans leave old England? 

The story of the Pilgrims from their rise in northeastern Eng- 
land, to their removal to Holland ; and then their voyage to 
Plymouth in the Mayflower, is familiar to our children. We are 
now to take a rapid glance at the rise and progress of the second 
migration, and the settlements in Massachusetts Bay. Nearly all 
the fathers and mothers of the colony who settled in and around 
Boston, were born in the latter days of Queen Elizabeth, and in 
the reign of James I. They grew up in a time of deep religious 
thought, when the public mind was familiar with the discussion 
of the great truths of revelation, and the deepest principles of 
government, human and divine. By degrees the ministers were 
alienated from the national church, and the laymen who drank in 
their teachings, were preparing for a separation, if necessary, for 
the preservation of a true church. The clergy found it more and 
yet more irksome to comply with the commands and exactions 
of their ecclesiastical superiors, upheld by the power and influence 
of the crown ; and the laity gave them their warmest sympathies. 
When Laud became bishop of London, and still more, when his 
power was extended as archbishop of Canterbury, it was made clear 
that all dissent from strict compliance with the will of priest and 
king, was to be discountenanced and punished. The experience 
of numerous faithful parish priests, in different parts of the king- 
dom, was alike in substance, though sometimes unlike in form. 



107 

The following words from Governor Bradford, will enable us to 
see what the converts — whether Pilgrim or Puritan — had to under- 
go, from the beginning in the reign of Elizabeth, down to the 
time of the departure of Winthrop and his company, and even 
later. He writes: "The work of God was no sooner manifest 
in them, but presently they were both scoffed and scorned by the 
profane multitudes, and the ministers urged with the yoke of sub- 
scription, or else must be silenced ; and the poor people were so 
vexed with apparitors, and persevants, and the commissary courts, 
as truly their affliction was not small ; which, notwithstanding 
thev bore sundry years with much patience, till they were occa- 
sioned (by the continuance and increase of these troubles, and other 
means which the Lord raised up in those days), to see further 
into things by the light of the word of God ; how not only their 
base and beggarly ceremonies were unlawful, but also that the 
lordly and tyrannous power of the prelates ought not to be sub- 
mitted unto, which thus contrary to the freedom of the gospel, 
would load and burden men's consciences, and by their compul- 
sive power, make a profane mixture of persons and things in the 
worship of God. .Vnd that their officers and callings, courts and 
canons, etc., were unlawful and anti-christian, being such as have 
no warrant in the word of C>od, but the same that were used in 
popery, but still retained." 

The lives of the first ministers in Massachusetts Bay, Connecti- 
cut and New Haven, all tell the same story. John Cotton was 
born in 1585 ; Thomas Hooker in 15S6 ; John Wilson in 1588 ; 
Richard Mather in 1596 ; John Davenport in 1597, and John 
Norton in 1606. Many of the others were born in these or the 
immediately following years. They, in almost all cases had relig- 
ious parents ; were taught at home, sent to schools and academies, 
and finally to Oxford or Cambridge. Then came their induction 
into the ministry in the national church. They were faithful, 
laborious and successful in the sacred office. In doctrine, they 
held and taught, substantially, the system contained in the 
Articles of the national church, which they held in common with 
nearly all Protestant Christendom. And in the matter of Articles 
of Faith, whether styled Calvinistic, Augustinian or Pauline, they 



io8; 

held much in common with the Roman CathoHc church. But 
Uttle by Httle, the priesthood, which was ahnost unanimously (in 
the first half of Elizabeth's reign,) Calvinistic, became what was 
styled Arminian. The older kind of preaching was discouraged 
by the court, Arminian ministers were promoted ; became arch- 
deacons and deacons ; rectors of large and well-endowed par- 
ishes ; heads of great schools ; professors in the colleges, and 
heads of the two universities. Only such could hope to be 
bishops, or aspire to the sees of York and Canterbury. An anec- 
dote of the time of James is in point. A nobleman of the court 
was asked one day when the Calvinistic clergy could hope to rise. 
He replied, "Not till the resurrection." 

The ritual was enforced upon the clergy more and more rigidly. 
Almost any degree of looseness in life and morals in the ministry 
was more readily tolerated, than any laxity in rites and ceremonies. 
Richard Mather, when before a commission, for non-observance 
of some of the ceremonies of worship, was told that he had better 
have seven bastards than offend in one point of the ritual. 
Things that were confessedly unessential, were required by law, 
and enforced by severe penalties. Copes, and scarfs, and gowns, 
and bands, and surplices, and other articles of " man-millinery," 
must be worn when ministering in the sacred office. Some of the 
rites and ceremonies imposed, seemed to the Puritan clergy to 
savor of ancient superstition ; some were merely useless, and 
some were ridiculous in their estimation. To be obliged to com- 
ply with such requisitions was intolerable. Then the king issued 
his proclamation, calling the people to indulge in sports and 
pastimes on Sunday, after the hour of public worship, and ordered 
the ministers to read this in the hearing of their congregations. 
Not thinking that dancing promiscuously round may-poles, and 
carousing in other ways, was in accordance with the sacredness of 
the Sabbath, or promotive of good morals in any way, they refused 
to read the proclamation, and so incurred the displeasure of arch- 
bishop and king. For these and other reasons, many were silenced 
and deprived of their livings. In their enforced leisure, they 
thoroughly examined into the question of church government, 



109 

comparing all existing hierarchies with the teachings of the Bible ; 
and especially of the New Testament. The result was the adop- 
tion of essentially the Congregational system of church govern- 
ment and discipline. The claim that priests must be ordained by 
bishops, who themselves were in the line of succession from the 
pope of Rome, was rejected, and the parity or eciuality of all 
ordained ministers was maintained. But as the king and the 
heads of the national church held to prelacy as fundamental in 
•church government, and as the friends of royalty agreed with 
king James, that no church was friendly to kingly and autocratic 
rule, but one which held to the different grades of the ministry, 
there was an insuperable obstacle to union or submission. " No 
bishop, no king," was the dictum of the royal Solomon, a sentence 
which led to the overthrow of church and royalty, and the behead- 
ing of the king's son. 

Still, the deposed Puritan ministers did not, to any great extent, 
form Congregational churches. They preached as they found 
opportunity. They explained the word in private houses, man- 
sions and palaces, and aided in bringing on a revolution in the 
public mind. In this they were ])owerfully seconded by the intel- 
ligent laymen of England, and thus the day was hastened when a 
portion of the Puritans came to New England, and the larger 
part, under the lead of Sir John Eliot, John Pym, John Hampden, 
and their compeers, built up the great party, which began to show 
its head in the last parliaments of James, and in the earlier ones 
of Charles, and finally culminated in the famous Long Parliament 
of 1640. 

In this ferment of the public mind, preparation was made in 
the years 1626-8 for the settlement of Massachusetts Bay. The 
religious and political elements were mingled in the great revolu- 
tion of sentiment which resulted in what some have styled the 
"Cireat Rebellion." It is not quite true to say that one grew out 
of the other, though they were synchronous and inseparable. 
The tyranny of king and noble might have led to a revolution, if 
there had been no reformation in the church, but it would not 
have been complete, because the national church was linked to 



I lO 



the state, and upheld the abuses of the government. There 
might have been a partial reformation of the church, without a 
change in the form of government, or any great mitigation of its 
severities and exactions, but the change could not have been radical. 
Puritanism, pure and simple, struck at despotism in both state 
and church. It aimed to break the shackles which held mankind 
in bondage. It was also inspired with the desire for purity of 
doctrine, worship, and life, in private ; and for good morals, pub- 
lic spirit, and general participation of power, in public. If the 
despotism of the crown were limited, the same result would 
reach the spiritual tyranny of pope, cardinal, bishop and priest. 
If men became godly in life they would be willing to participate 
with their fellow-men in the distribution of power. In brief, the 
two branches of the Puritanic revolution went forward, pari 
passu, and what the Puritan preachers labored for in the pulpit, 
the Puritan statesmen struggled for in the courts, and in parlia- 
ment. Hampden upheld the Puritan clergy in opposing the 
exactions and superstitions of Laud, and the hearts of the clergy 
went with him when he refused the demand for ship money. 

The above remarks express, substantially, the reasons why the 
settlers of Massachusetts Bay, as well as of Plymouth, left Eng- 
land. In a sentence, they could not remain in their native country 
and enjoy civil and religious liberty. 

III. The third part of the question, viz. : Why did they come 
hither in preference to other parts of the globe ? may be answered 
briefly. It was necessary to go somewhere, and also to a region 
where their design would meet no insurmountable obstacles, by 
reason of the opposition of natives to the soil, or hostility from 
other Europeans. 

The fathers came here for the simple reason that here they found 
room in which they could build their houses, and found a 
Christian state. There was no place for them in Europe. In 
Africa there was no region known to them open to the occupancy 
of foreigners, except the Cape, which was then held by the 
Dutch ; Asia was crowded with inhabitants ; Australia was teri-a 
itjcflgniia ; the two sides of South America were mainly in the 



1 1 1 



torrid zone, except the southern part, which is a cold and barren 
region ; moreover its vast plains, from the Carib sea, far south to 
the La Plata, were pre-occupied by Portugese and Spaniard. All 
the northern part of North America that was habitable, was in the 
possession of the French. The southern was a part of the 
dominions of Spain. Virginia was settled by Church of England 
Episcopalians ; New York was in possession of the Dutch before 
the settlement of Massachusetts Bay was contemplated by the 
company of Winthrop. Here, between the French in Canada and 
the Dutch in New York, there was room for a new colony, and 
hither therefore, our fathers came. 

IV. And now the question arises. What was their design in 
founding a colony, and how did they carry out their design ? 
Privation and persecution drove theqi out of England ; they came 
here, because here only was there room for them ; but what did 
they drsire to plant and build here? And how did they execute 
their design? Was their motive worldly gain? Did they come 
to fish, hunt, and trade with the Indians? Did they design to 
build up a rival to England, and be the head of a western em- 
])ire? Without doubt, as sensil)le and prudent men, they had an 
eye to thrift, comfort, and security in their possessions ; but if we 
may believe their own declarations, they came here ( i ) to enjoy 
religion, both in faith and ordinances, in its purity, by planting 
Christian churches after the New Testament model. (2) To 
establish a colony or colonies, in which all the rights of free-born 
Englishmen could be enjoyed by themselves and their posterity ; 
and (3) to make the gospel of Christ known to the heathen. 
The fact that they believed this to be the best method of securing 
prosperity under the government of a benevolent God, did not 
dilute the purity of their motives, or detract from the nobility of 
their purpose. How they succeeded is familiar to all who have 
studied their history. 

But before following the settlers in Massachusetts Bay from 
their homes in England, it is important to consider what right 
they had to come here at all. Their right was based on three 
grounds, i. The right of God's children, who were obliged to 



112 

move somewhither, to occupy uninhabited territory, over which 
there is no claim of authority or jurisdiction. The region occupied 
by the colonists was almost a desert, made so by a desolating pesti- 
lence. No one had a right to exclude new comers, by the law of 
nature. 2. The consent of the natives. The colonists sacredly 
regarded the rights of the aborigines. It was their intention to gain 
a right by purchase, to settle here, and here to found a colony. 
They fulfilled that intention, so that it has been said, by high 
authority, that they more than paid for all the land they occupied. 
3. All the authority which a charter from their king could give 
them. 

In 1620, November 3-13, king James I. chartered a corporation 
styled "The Council established at Plymouth, in the county of 
Devon, for the planting, ruling and governing of New England, 
in America. This " Council of Plymouth," deriving title to lands 
by the grant from the king, granted a title to lands to the settlers 
in Massachusetts Bay. It could not grant powers of government. 
The grant of lands was made by a deed, bearing date March 19- 
29, 1627, by which was sold unto certain gentlemen, whereof 
John Endicott and John Humphrey were two, and their heirs and 
assigns, and their associates forever, all that part of New England 
lying between the rivers Charles and Merrimack, and three miles 
north and south of that section. Soon after, these gentlemen, by 
the agency of Rev. Mr. White, of Dorchester, were brought into 
connection with another set of gentlemen, living in and about 
London, who afterwards had much to do with the colony. 
.A-mong those who were distinguished in early New England history, 
were Sir Richard Saltonstall, Isaac Johnson, Matthew Cradock, 
Increase Nowell, Richard Bellingham, Samuel Vassal, Theophilus 
Elton, John Brown, Samuel Brown, William Vassal, William Pinchon, 
George Foxcroft, John Winthroj). and a few others. These parties 
being joined into one, and by purchase, becoming joint possessors, 
planned a colony for non-conformists, and by petition, sought a 
new patent from the king. The charter was granted by Charles 
I., dated March 4-14, 1628, giving them a right to the soil, by 
which titles were held as of the •' manor of East Greenwich, in 



1 1 ; 



Kent, and in common socage." This charter empowered them 
to elect their own officers annually, and to make such laws as 
were necessary and suitable to the plantation, saving that no law 
should be repugnant to the laws of the kingdom. Here was the 
foundation of a plantation, giving title to the soil by a fixed and 
legal tenure, and authority to govern themselves by making laws, 
and choosing officers to administer them. 

The charter " constituted a l)ody politic, by the name of the gov- 
ernor and company of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England." 
A governor, deputy governor, and eighteen assistants were to 
be annually elected by the stockholders, or members of the cor- 
poration. A general assembly of the freenien was to be held 
four times a year. The charter did not specify whether the seat 
of government of the colony should be in England, or in the 
colony. Soon after the charter was granted, the corporation, after 
careful deliberation, and taking legal advice, voted that the seat 
of government should l)e in the colony. Perhaps the charter was 
granted without any reference to this point. Perhaps the under- 
standing of the government was that the governing body should 
remain in England. This is assumed by many writers and law- 
yers. The matter has been debated more than two centuries. 
Some have gone so far as to claim that the patentees had no 
thought of removing the government to the colony at first. They 
allege that this was an afterthought, and that the English govern- 
ment was surprised when it was announced that the corporators 
in England had voted the transfer to the colony. The opinion 
of Judge Parker was given at length, and with abundant learning, 
in one of the Lectures before the Massachusetts Historical Society, 
sustaining the legality of the transfer. Leaving the legal aspect 
of the matter to the legal fraternity, and looking at it in the 
light of common sense, it is hard to believe that John Winthrop, 
who was a good lawyer, and one of the soundest thinkers of his 
age, did not weigh well, and also take counsel upon, this step, 
l)efore assenting to it. It is hard to believe that John Winthrop 
and his associates, who had in mind a large, continuous and 
increasing emigration from the old country, and the building up of 



114 

a great colony in New England, did not see that it would be simply 
impossible for the few freeman that staid in England, to govern 
the large and increasing number soon to be located in the colony. 
It was not to be a trading company doing business in foreign 
parts, through agents, while governed by a close corporation at 
home, but a colony of actual settlers, accustomed to the rights of 
Englishmen, freeholders of the soil, with the powers of govern- 
ment administered by officers of their own choice, the vast majority 
of whom would be on the soil, while a few only resided in England. 
The men who conceived the project of settlement, were careful, 
prudent and far-sighted, and could not fail to see that the seat of 
government must soon be in the colony, or the whole plan would 
fall to pieces. At all events, they soon decided on their course, 
and with solemn deliberation, transferred the seat of power to 
that part of the company that was to make the experiment of a 
colony, though the actual change was not effected till 1629. 

Meanwhile efforts towards founding a colony had been made in 
Massachusetts Bay. The Plymouth company had a fishing station 
at Cape Ann. Adventurers undertook to break up their station, 
but were foiled. Roger Conant, under the encouragement of the 
famous Rev. Mr. White, made tentative efforts, with the poor help 
of such men as Lyford and Gorton, to form the nucleus of a 
colony. He had the aid of a few other men, of better character 
than those lawless rovers, but measures had already been taken 
which caused a transfer of the work to the company of which 
Winthrop became the head. 

This company, in 1628, sent over a choice selection of people, 
who landed at Salem, under the leadership of John Endicott, as 
deputy governor, and the spiritual guidance of Messrs Skelton 
and Higginson. Conant, who was a sensible and excellent man, 
acquiesced in the change, and though an Episcopalian in senti- 
ment, concurred in the plan of organizing a Congregational 
church, the next year. This was a momentous event, and has 
never been truly emphasized by historians. It was the turning point 
in Massachusetts, New England and American history. Its remote 
influence will probably be felt in every quarter of the globe, for 
centuries to come. Religious and civil liberty was bound up in 



115 

the decision. Endicott, Higginson and Skelton, and the whole 
company that came with them, had been bred in the Church of 
England, and with exceptions, had an exceeding love for the ser- 
vice. They belonged to the reforming party of Puritans, who 
desired to effect a complete separation from the papacy in the mat- 
ter of ordination, a disuse of superstitious ceremonies, and a ])urga- 
tion of the Common Prayer from errors that marred its power for 
good ; but they had no prejudice against, but a liking for the amended 
service, with its praytrs, confessions and ascriptions of praise. 
Higginson, while on the passage over, gave voice to the whole 
com|)any, in calling the Church of England "our dear mother." 
Plow then did it come to pass, that almost as soon as they set up 
worship on these shores, the whole Anglican system, in all its 
pirts, the Articles of Faith excepted, was set aside. Bishop, 
priL'st and deacon were superseded by the teacher, pastor, and 
the ruling elder. The whole service of the liturgy gave way 
to the prayer, singing, and the sermon. The change of vesture, 
bowing at the name of Jesus, all the ceremonies required by the 
archbishop, were droi)ped, and the austere simplicity of the 
Congregational mode of worship was adopted. This was an 
entire change, a complete revolution ; and it was made suddenly, 
and it was made to stay. There must have been a powerful cause 
at work, which constrained nearly the whole company to break 
away from the church of their fathers and of their affections, and 
adopt a polity, and a service of worship toto ca'/o different. There 
was a cause, and it was all-sufficient. It prevailed with Endicott, 
S'.celton and Higginson ; and when Wilson, Winthrop, Dudley and 
their compeers came the next year, 1630, it secured their hearty 
assent. 

The cause was this. There was an absolute necessity for the 
colonists to make a break from the P2piscopal church, root and 
l)ranch, or abandon the whole object and design of their coming. 
If they adhered to the Episcopal service, they would have been 
obliged to receive their priests and deacons from the hands of 
their diocesans in England. If they received such a clergy, the 
power of Laud and his fellows in England would have been 



ii6 

complete and entire over them. They would have been under 
the jurisdiction of the bishop of London, and the supervision of 
the high commission court. The treatment meted out to non- 
conformists and Puritans in England, would have been visited 
upon Wilson, Higginson, Phillips, and other ministers in the 
Colony ; and the Puritan laymen would have been obliged to 
yield to the spiritual guidance and rule of Laud, or abandon 
public worship. 

Two years later, in 1631, the General Court restricted suffrage 
to members of the Congregational churches. None were dis- 
franchised, as Blaxton and Maverick, but none were to be admitted 
to the franchise, unless of the prevailing faith. The object was 
the same as in setting up Congregational worship as exclusive in 
1629. A few shiploads of Episcopalians from England could 
have revolutionized the colony, and these could easily have been 
formed by Sir Ferdinando Gorges and his friends. The only safety 
of the Puritan settlers, — their only hope of founding a colony in 
which they could worship God in the way their consciences dic- 
tated, was to retain power in their own hands ; and they were too 
wise and brave to give it up. 

The proof that tlie restriction of suffrage to members of the 
church, and that the adoption of the Congregational polity and 
mode of worship were caused by the fear of Episcopal domination, 
is ample. 

When the church of Salem was formed in 1629, August 26, 
Dr. Fuller was present. He was the physician of Plymouth, and 
a prominent member of the church. He was well versed in the 
doctrine of ministerial parity, and of church independence of 
Episcopal control or supervision ; and he had also some interest- 
ing infomation to give to the brethren in Salem. In fact, there had 
been persistent efforts to bring the Plymouth church under Epis- 
copal control for several years, and nothing but the firm adherence 
of the principal men of Plymouth to the New Testament polity 
had kept the church in Plymouth from being under the power of 
the Ecclesiastical Commission. 



'^M' 



117 

When the Pilgrims came over, Pastor Robinson remained in 
Holland, with a portion of the church ; but with the expectation 
of coming as soon as arrangements could be made. He never 
came, and the reason was that the "Adventurers" who lent money 
to the Pilgrim Planters, prevented his coming, because he was a 
strong Congregationalist, and the majority of them were planning 
to change the colony from the Congregational to the E|)iscopal 
regimen. This is the express statement of Pastor Robinson 
himself. 

Next, in two or three years after the landing, the Rev. Mr. 
Lyford appeared on the scene. Elder Brewster, not being an 
ordained minister, could not administer the ordinances, and there 
was a felt need of an ordained pastor. Mr. Winslow and Mr. 
Cushman, being in London, heard that Mr. Lyford was about to 
come ovlt. For some reason — probably a good one — they did 
not encourage the coming. He came however, and avowed him- 
self the most extreme Independent. He lamented that he had 
ever belonged to the national church. He insisted on being 
received into the church (/f )iovo. Soon he was in antagonism 
with the church and the colon\ . He set up separarate worship, 
and that after the Ei)iscopal form. He undertook, with the help 
of Gorton, to split and ruin the colony. Ere long he was found to 
be a villain in many ways, and was exposed and expelled. After- 
wards it was found that he came to Plx^mouth under the auspices of 
the Ecclesiastical Commission, and for the very purpose of getting 
control of the church. Probably his base moral character was 
not known by the Episcopal authorities, but that makes no differ- 
ence as to the design of those who sent him there. 

A year or two later, a man of very different character came to 
New England. .According to some authorities, he came in the 
fleet which Sir Ferdinando Gorges sent over, under the command 
of Captain Robert Gorges, his son or nephew, for the purpose of 
effecting a settlement under Ei)iscopal influences. This was the 
Rev. William Morrell, a clergyman of the state church. He made 
his home, for a year or more, somewhere between Boston and 
Plymouth : perhaps in Wevmouth. He spent some of his time in 



ii8 



writing a description of New England in Latin verse, which he 
turned into English. He made no attempt to trouble the Pil- 
grims, or meddle with their religious affairs, because he was a 
gentleman as well as a scholar and Christian minister. But 
before Mr. Morrell left the country, he went to Plymouth and 
had an interview with some of the chief men, to whom he showed 
his commission to take charge of all the churches in this region. 
All these facts were known to Dr. Fuller. There is no room to 
doubt that he made them known to Endicott, and the ministers and 
other leading men at Salem, and that they saw at once, that the 
most effectual means must be taken to prevent being compelled to 
submit to the ecclesiastical tyranny of those who had driven them 
from their native land. Hence the adoption of the Congregational 
polity and worship ; and hence, also, the restriction of the franchise 
to members of the church. This policy was not adopted to guard 
against the inroads of " Arminians, Antinomians and Quakers," as 
is often said. Indeed, there were none of those people (except so 
far as some Church of England people were Arminians) on the 
ground, and but very few in England at that date. It was intended 
to prevent the monopoly of power by that sort of Church of 
England people who would labor to bring the churches under the 
control of the bishop of London. Such were the brothers Brown, 
of Salem, who, soon after their coming, began to make division 
and trouble. All which goes to prove that the whole object and 
design of the coming of the first settlers of the "Bay" was in 
danger of total defeat, and that it would have been consummate 
folly in the colonists to admit the enemies of their system to 
power. 

The measures they took were effectual. Three years later, in 
1634, Archbishop Laud issued an Order in Council, to "all places 
of trade and plantations where the English were settled, enjoining 
the establishment of the national church in them." Collier, in the 
Ecclesiastical History of Great Britain, says, that the order was 
extended to, and generally obeyed in all the four great divisions 
of the world, but that the settlers of New England "established 
their own fancy." 



119 

It is not easy for the common reader of to-day to understand 
how such results were depending. He looks up and down the 
streets of the town, and sees a Congregational church on one 
side, and not far off a house consecrated according to Episcopal 
usage. Other churches are located around adding to the beauty 
of the place, while promoting its mental and spiritual advance- 
ment. They are all on the same basis so far as the law of the 
state can affect them. One has no supremacy over the other. 
It has no pri\ileges, imunmities, or governmental aid which the 
others do not enjoy. There is no wish, on either side of the 
street, to govern, harass, injure, or in any way impede the breth- 
ren of another name. Above all this, a good degree of harmony 
prevails. In some things they cooperate ; in others they work in 
their own way, but pray "God speed" to their fellow Christians. 
And one result is, that the notion prevails widely that the Puritan 
Congregationalists were bigoted, narrow-minded, exclusive and 
persecuting, because they renounced the Episcopal church, and 
denied its friends the liberty to set up their system here. But 
there is no similarity in the circumstances of the two periods. 
Then the Church of England, as represented by its head, the 
king, and the convocation, under the lead of Archbishop Laud, 
would not admit that non-Episcopal congregations were churches. 
They required all ministers to be ordained l)y a bishop, or be 
silenced. They imposed upon all religious assemblies the whole 
book of common prayer, and all the ceremonies and vestments 
then in use by the national clergy. Heavy fines, imprisonment, 
and banishment were positive penalties, inflicted in addition to all 
the privations that grew out of the loss of their own more simple 
and Scri])tural mode of government and worship. 

Remembering now, that the only mode of establishing a system 
of free worship, on this soil, was by absolutely excluding the 
clergy, ritual and laws of the national church, we can see the 
motive of the fathers of New England in taking the ground of 
exclusion. .And remembering that civil liberty was to be had 
only in connection with a free church, they framed their laws on 
this basis. And remembering still further, that if the national 



I20 



church were established here, all they hoped to gain by coming 
here, would be lost, they contended against the policy of Laud 
and the Stuarts, as men battle for existence. 

Oar fathers, while in England, were on their own soil, and had 
as good a right to worship God in their own way, as any other 
subjects. They came hither as exiles, not to establish a despotic 
church, but to escape from one. It was then the established 
belief among statesmen that nations could scarcely exist with 
warring religions, or hostile varieties of religion within their 
bosom. Then said the Massachusetts Puritans, if these things be 
so, let us go forth and be alone. We will obtain a modest por- 
tion of the world created by our great Father ; we will purchase 
it of the natives ; we will buy it also of the Plymouth company in 
the county of Devon ; and we will obtain a charter from our 
king, empowering us to emigrate, found a colony, and establish a 
government. Thus, with a title to the soil, and authority to found 
and carry on a government, they came hither, and with almost 
incredible toils, privations and hardships, they laid the founda- 
tions of church, state and school, and left it to Providence to 
determine the future. 

That unknown future had a magazine of woes and of blessings 
for them. By their industry, frugality and sagacity, they laid open 
the wilderness, and brought the virgin soil under cultivation ; 
they drew riches from the sea, and fetched wealth from the forest. 
The fields smiled with plentiful harvests. They built beautiful 
villages and towns. The school, the grammar school and the 
college raised them above all peoples in the scale of intelligence. 
Their meeting-houses were fountains of light, whence streams of 
salvation flowed forth. Happy homes were scattered over the 
land as the population increased with unwonted rapidity. They 
began to feel within them the "promise and potency" of future 
greatness, as some one in early times expressed it in letters graven 
on a rock, in this grand style : 

"The Eastern nations sink; their glory ends, 
.\nd empire rises where the sun descends." 



121 

But all their blessings were the fruit of care and toil. Soon the 
hostility of the national church was aided by the enmity of every 
sort of religious organization then known in the old country, and 
also by individual free-thinkers, adventurers, cranks and tramps, 
male and female, who combined in their efforts to break down 
the only free communities in the world. Our fathers resisted. 
They stood their ground. They held to their charter, and their 
churches, as the Hebrews held to the Ark of God. It is not 
strange if sometimes their patience gave way to anger, and that 
they met their pitiless and slanderous enemies with needless 
severity. But in process of time their society was consolidated ; 
they had learned to endure the sects and parties which sought 
their ruin, and to resist the kings who strove to raze their colony 
to its foundations ; and then, when fearless of crank, sect, church 
or king, they by degrees shaped the laws so that suffrage was 
extended to those outside of the Congregational order, and 
liberty of worship was secured to all religionists who did not 
violate the ordinary demands of good morals and citizenship. 
And this change was wrought while the Puritan faith and polity 
were held by a vast majority of the people. It was effected by 
the voluntary movement of the Christian voters, unforced by the 
decrees of base and liberty-hating kings, or the dangerous strug- 
gles of a threatening minority. It was the natural result of the 
planting of a Puritan colony ; the rich fruitage of a free, New 
Testament church, both in doctrine and polity. In due time, by 
the providence of God, its spirit was breathed into the life of 
the nation, and is now, daily, unifying and elevating our mag- 
nificent empire. 

i6 



122 



\ 



Mr. B. A. Leonard of Southbridge presented to 
the Society a framed oil painting of "Joseph and 
his brethren," executed about 1830 by Francis 
Alexander. The picture was accompanied by the 
following autobiographical sketch of the artist : 

In William Dunlap's History of the Rise and Progress of the 
Arts of Design in the United States (2 volumes, 1834) is some 
account of Francis Alexander, the artist, with a communication 
from him giving an interesting history of his early life, struggles, 
successes, etc. He says he was born in Killingly, Connecticut, 
February 3d, 1800. His father was a farmer of moderate cir- 
cumstances, and his early life was spent upon the farm. "Went 
hundreds of times to church in warm weather, barefoot, three 
miles. From the age of eight up to twenty I labored almost 
incessantly the eight warm months of the year upon my father's 
farm. The other four months of the year I went to a country 
district school until I was seventeen. My eighteenth and nine- 
teenth winters kept school (in the same district where I had 
been one of the scholars previously), received forty dollnrs the 
first winter,' forty-four dollars the second. Painted a fish at this 
time which received much praise. Went to New York to learn 
to paint." 

A Mr. McKay in Warren street, an elderly gentleman, was kind 
to him, and introduced him to Alexander Robertson, then Secre- 
tary to the Academy of Fine Arts. Mr. Robertson received him 
into his school, where he staid five or six weeks, when his money 
gave out and he returned home. "Commenced painting on the 
walls of one of the rooms in father's house." Then painted a 
portrait which his mother praised, and one of a nephew three 
years old, at one sta/u/ing. The first was painted upon the lid 
of an old chest and astonished the neighbors. He next painted 
the portrait of a nephew six years old " showing his white rows of 
teeth. These two were painted on pieces of board I picked up. 
Were called excellent likenesses. A Mr. Mason offered five 



I 2 



dollars to paint a little miss full length (he was my first i)atron). 
Then was offered by the mother one dollar a day to paint the 
rest of the family — half a dozen of them — received thirteen dol- 
lars for thirteen days I 

" My fame had now travelled seven miles. I was invited to 
Thompson to paint several families — received three dollars a 
head and my board. As soon as I had earned fifty or sixty 
dollars I returned to New York for instruction in portrait paint- 
ing. The old gentleman, Mr. McKay, ga\e me Mr. Stuart's 
mode of setting the pallets, and Col. Trumbull lent me two heads 
to copy, and treated me with much kindness. Also Waldo and 
Jewett. After copying the above named portraits and one or two 
more, I was obliged to go back to Connecticut, my funds being 
exhausted. On my return I had the boldness to ask eight dollars 
a portrait, and received it ! 

" .Mrs. Gen. James B. Mason, of Providence, sent for me to 
paint her family, promising me fifteen dollars a portrait. Labored 
for her and among ht-r friends with success. Mrs. Mason died 
while I remainetl in Providence, when I lost one of my most 
valuable friends. I have met with many friends since I took up 
painting, but among Uiem all I rt-member no one who was so 
zealous, active and untiring in my behalf as Mrs. Mason, nor any 
one to whom I am half so much indebted for my somewhat suc- 
cessful career as to her. 

" I painted two } ears or more in Providence, and received 
constant employment, and from fifteen to twenty-five dollars for 
my portraits. I afterwards came to Boston, bringing a painting 
of two sisters which I carried to Mr. Stuart for his opinion. He 
called them very clever — said they reminded him of Gains- 
borough's pictures — that I lacked many things that might be 
accjuired by practice and study, but that I had that which could 
not be actjuired. He invited me to come to Boston and set up 
as a portrait jjainter, so, after going home and making the neces- 
sary preparations, I returned and commenced painting, where I 
remained in the full tide of successful experiment until I set sail 
for Italy on the 22d of October, 183 1. In Boston I received 



124 

forty dollars for the head and shoulders, 25 x 30 in. canvas, and 
more according to the size. Two years afterward I received fifty 
and seventy-five dollars for the kit-cat size. 

"I sailed for Genoa, saw the fine paintings there, went to Flor- 
ence, staid there five or six weeks, renewed my acquaintance with 
Mr. Thomas Cole, went with him to Rome, roomed with him 
there three months ; then we went to Naples together, visited 
Herculaneum, Pompeii and Ptestum, and returned to Rome again 
in company. 

"While in Rome I painted the portrait of Miss Harriet Doug- 
lass, of New York. Sir Walter Scott being there at the time, and 
an acquaintance of hers, he came with Miss D. in her carriage to 
my studio, where he remained nearly an hour conversing all 
the while in a most familiar manner. I had painted an original 
Magdalen ; it was standing on one side of the studio at the time, 
and Sir Walter moved his chair up within six feet of it ; there he 
sat looking at it for some minutes without speaking. I was all 
impatience to know what he would say. He turned away with 
the laconic remark : ' She's been forgiven.' 

" I returned to Florence, staid seven months ; returned to Rome 
the following winter, and staid three months more ; returned 
again to Florence ; visited Bologna, Pisa and Leghorn ; thence to 
Paris, staid there twenty days ; thence to London, there ten days ; 
left in the London packet for New York on the 25th of August. 
After visiting my friends a month or two, I took my old room 
again here in Boston (Columbian Hall) where I have commenced 
painting with success — receive one hundred dollars for portraits, 
have not fixed upon prices yet for more than busts, choosing to 
recommend myself first, knowing that the good people of our 
country are willing to pay according to merit. Mr. Cole can 
perhaps give you some information about your humljle servant if 
you desire more. 

"When I was a farmer, I used to go three miles before sunrise 
to reap for a bushel of rye per day, and return at night. Oh ! 
had you seen me then, wending my way to my labors, shoeless, 
and clad in trowsers and shirt of hnv, with my sickle on my 



125 

shoulders, as you are a painter you might have given me a few 
cents to sit for my picture, but you would not have taken any 
notes for biography. I have written ui)on a large sheet, and 
compactly, hoping to have plenty of room, but I might add so 
much more. Yours truly, 

" Franxis Alexander." 

[Mr. Alexander married Lucia Gray, only daughter of Colonel 
Samuel Swett, of Boston. Her mother was a daughter of William 
Gray. See N. E. Hist. & Gen. Register, Vol. 21, [1S67] p. 374. 
Francis Alexander died in Florence, Italy, March 27, 1880. 
Miss Lamed, in her History of Windham County, Connecticut, 
[Vol. 2, pp. 542-3] speaks of him.] 

The meetinor was then adjourned. 



ANNUAL FIELD DAY. 

The Worcester Society of Antiquity observed its ninth annual 
Field Day on Saturday, June nth, by visiting Princeton and 
Wachusett Mountain. Members and their guests left Worcester 
at 8.15 and arrived at Princeton station at 9 a. m. Taking barges 
the party arrived at Princeton center at to o'clock, passing on 
the route the oldest house in town, which claims the age of more 
than one hundred years, the Methodist or Goodnow village, and 
the Boylston burying ground. 

As the procession of carriages reached the green at the center 
the bell in the Goodnow Memorial Building rang out a merry 
peal of welcome, and the party alighted to inspect the fine library 
building and the neighboring town hall, both of which testify well 
to Mr. E. A. Goodnow's regard for his native town. The objects 
of interest in and about these buildings were explained to the 
visitors by Messrs. Francis E. Blake and John Brooks of the Field 
Day committee, and John A. Dana, Esq., natives of the town. 



I 



126 



The members of the party gathered in the library room of the 
Memorial Building, where Mr. Blake, the chairman of the com- 
mittee, referred briefly to Mr. Goodnow's gift to the town in well 
received remarks. After inspecting the pictures, cabinet of nat- 
ural curiosities, books and other objects, the visitors registered 
their names at the request of the librarian, Miss S. A. Davis, who, 
with her assistant. Miss L. N. Davis, was present. Mr. Goodnow, 
the donor, received many congratulations on the occasion for 
his well directed liberality to the town of his birth, and the ex- 
cellent taste and beauty with which everything about these two 
model structures was arranged. The library now contains about 
2100 volumes. 

The excursionists then proceeded to the mountain, passing over 
Meeting House hill, where the first two meeting houses were 
located, opposite the oldest burying ground. The first house of 
worship was erected here in 1762, and the second one on the 
same site in 1795. ^'^^ third structure of this old society was 
erected in 1838 on the center of the common, but was removed 
to its present location, fronting the east side of the common, 
after the old town hall, called Boylston Hall, was burnt, and be- 
fore the present elegant town hall was built. 

On reaching the Mountain House at the foot of Wachusett, a 
portion of the party left the barges, and proceeded on foot to the 
summit, the remainder following the roadway in the carriages. 
At the top of the mountain the visitors were given a cordial wel- 
come by landlord G. H. Derby of the Summit House, and all 
made themselves happy for an hour in his broad piazzas and on 
the grounds around the hotel, in viewing the magnificent land- 
scape presented to view on all sides, and which can only be seen 
to the best advantage on a clear, cool day, such as they were then 
enjoying. 

At I o'clock came the welcome sound of the dinner bell, and 
all were ushered into the spacious dining hall. The following 
gentlemen were seated at the tables : 

Francis E. Blake of Boston, President E. B. Crane, Stephen 
Salisbury, Hon. Amos Perry of Rhode Island, E. M. Barton, S. S. 



12 



Green. Prof. H. T. Fuller, S. E. Staples, John ?]rooks of Prince- 
ton, T. A. Dickinson, John A. Dana. Albert Tolman, E. A. Good- 
nou, R. N. Meriani. Rev. A. L. Love- of Princeton, Rev. S. D. 
Hosmer of Auburn, C. G. Wood, H. M. Smith, C. C. Denny of 
Leicester, Israel Plummer of Northbridge, E. M. Wood, Daniel 
S.-'agrave, .Alfred Waites. E. I. Coniins. J. Lord, W. L. Clark, 
George Sumner, J. A. Smith, L. L. Pollard. 1 r. F. (". Jillson (^f 
Sterling, Caleb A. Wall. J. A. Rowland, Dr. W. E. Pirown of 
Gilbcrtville, F. P. Rice, Ledyard Bill of Paxton, J. L. Estey, G. 
Eslcy, H. J. Wood, J. A. Farley. Gen. A. B. R. Sprague, H. W. 
Hubbard, A. S. Roe, A. K. Gould, J. C. Otis, E. Tucker, George 
Maynard, Hon. Velorous Taft of West Upton, B. A. Leonard and 
H. M. Fisk ofSjuthbridge, H. H. Chamberlin, R. O'Flynn, W. 
F. Abbot, A. E. Peck, M. E. Barrows, H. A. Denny, F. G. Stiles, 
A. Stone. H. Wesby, H. A. Phillips, J. D. Chollar. W. H. Clark 
of Paxton, J. D. Gregory of Princeton, E. W. Sluniiway. 

Chan-man F. E. Blake of tlie Field Day committee of arrange- 
ments, ]jresided at the ta])]es, and the divine blessing was asked 
by Rev. A. L. L )ve of the Princeton Congregational Church, after 
which due attention was paid to the excellent dinner. This done, 
at 2.30 Chairman Blake called to order and bade the visitors 
welcome to his native town. He first called on President E. B. 
Crane of the Society, who spoke of the object and mission of 
this body, now in the twelfth year of its existence, the present 
being its ninth annual excursion, made, in connection with other 
work, to promote and peri^etuate an interest in local history and 
gather additional facts. 

.\ letter was read from Senator George F. Hoar, regretting his 
inability to be present, as he had intended, his absence being 
compelled on account of his attendance at the funeral of George 
Draper at Hopedale. 

Stephen Salisbury, Esq., Vice-President of the American An- 
tiquarian Society, was introduced to speak for that organization 
in the absence of its President, Senator Hoar. Mr. Salisbury 
spoke of the interest which the older society had always taken in 
the progress and welfare of the younger organization, commend- 



128 



ing the good work being done by it in the preservation of the 
records of local history by such excursions as these, and in other 
ways. 

Hon. Amos Perry, Librarian of the Rhode Island Historical 
Society, said it was an occasion of great interest to him. The 
society he represented had existed for sixty-five years, but had 
accomplished no more in that time than The Worcester Society 
of Antiquity had in twelve years. The Society deserved the 
highest praise for its enterprise, energy and industry, and its pub- 
lications had gained for it an enviable reputation. Continuing, 
he said : " I am personally interested in Princeton because my 
mother's half-brother, Captain John Jones, raised a company here 
and in the borders of the neighboring towns in 1775, and tried 
to reach Lexington and Concord, but did not. He and his men, 
however, were at the battle of Bunker Hill, at the siege of Boston 
for a time, and then marched to Quebec in Colonel Doolittle's 
command under Montgomery. Captain Jones died at Crown 
Point on the return from Canada." 

John A. Dana, Esq., spoke facetiously, introducing several apt 
quotations from the " dead " languages, with subtle allusions to 
those nearest him at the table. 

Librarian Samuel S. Green of Worcester, said the last speaker 
was proud that he was a graduate of Yale, and it seemed almost 
a pity that he hadn't a Yale lock on his mouth. Mr. Green gave 
some facts about his ancestor, General Timothy Ruggles, and 
said his character had been misunderstood. His daughter, Mrs. 
Spooner, who was executed with others for the murder of her 
husband, was undoubtedly insane. 

Remarks followed by Hon. Velorous Taft, Albert Tolman, Esq., 
Prof. H. T. Fuller, Librarian E. M. Barton of the American An- 
tiquarian Society, Sheriff A. B. R. Sprague, and Samuel E. Staples, 
Esq., the first President of the Society of Antiquity. The latter 
made appropriate reference to the late Solon Wilder, a native of 
Princeton, and prominent as a musical composer and leader. Mr. 
Barton in his remarks referred to the attempt made sixty years 



129 

ago to change the name of Wachusett to Mount Adams, in honor 
of J. Q. Adams, then President of the United States, and pre- 
sented to the Sjciety three letters on the subject pubUshed in tlie 
papers at the time. 

After dinner a short time was afforded for the further enjoy- 
ment of the prospect, and then the party reentered the carriages, 
an 1 made their way down the mountain to Wachusett Lake, 
This ride was very enjoyable, and the view was surpassing. 

Following round the lake Redemption Rock was reached at 5 
o'clock. The inscription placed here by the Hon. George F. 
Hoar, tells the story of the spot : " Upon this rock, May 2d, 
1676, was made the agreement for tlie ransom of Mrs. Mary 
Rowlandson of Lancaster, between the Lidians and John Hoar of 
( 'oncord. King Phillip was with the Indians but refused his con- 
sent." 

At this place Mr. J. T. Everett of Princeton was presented to 
the party, and spoke interestingly of the rock and its associations. 
The neigh])Orhood was one of the spots most frequented by the 
Lidians in this locality. Hj pljughed up the skeleton of an In- 
dian in his orchard forty years ago, buried in a sitting position. 
In an adjoining meadow, a short distance from the rock, was 
committed the first murder in this part of the county. Samuel 
Frjst killed his father, but was acquitted on the ground of partial 
in,aiiity. He afterwaVds killed Captain Allen and was hung. In 
another field near by the Keyes .child was murdered by a man 
named Littlejohn. Mr. Everett related other incidents which 
make the place historic. The party and the rock were photo- 
graphed by Mr. A. S. Roe and others. 

From here the party took the route to the center of the town, 
passing many old residences recalling the names of Mirick, Os- 
good, Beaman, Merriam, Howe, Russell and others ; and Mr. 
John Brooks's "Hillside Farm" was reached at 6 o'clock. Here 
an am])le collation was served on the lawn, to which full justice 
was rendered. The lateness of the hour jjrevented an inspection 

17 



I30 

of Mr. Brooks's farm and stock, so widely known, and. a visit to 
the (Ward Nicholas) Boylston estate. 

From Mr. Brooks's the party rode to the railroad station, and 
at 7 o'clock took the cars for Worcester, with cheers for the 
Committee of Arrangements, and hearty expressions of pleasure 
at the success of the trip. In fact it was conceded to have been 
one of the most delightful excursions the Society has made. 



Regular meeting, Tuesday evening, Jul}^ 5th. 

Present: Messrs. Crane, C. Jillson, Dickinson, 
Meriam, F. P. Rice, Hubbard, Wall, Otis, Seao-rave, 
W. A. Smith, G. Maynard, Barton, Stedman. C. E. 
Simmons, C. G. Wood, A. F. Simmons, Perkins, 
Estey, J. A. Smith, and one visitor. — 20 

Franklin P. Rice was chosen Secretary /r^* tcni. 

Rev. S. D. Hosmer of Auburn, and H. A. Phillips 
and E. J. Rockvvood of Worcester, were admitted as 
active members of the Society. 

The Librarian reported 228 gifts from 31 donors. 

The President called the attention of the members 
to No. XXV. of the Society's publications, — "The 
Abolitionists Vindicated," by Oliver Johnson — ^just 
issued. He said that both parties in this contro- 
versy concerning the character and influence of the 
Garrisonians, had been fully and fairly heard, and 



that Mr. Thayer and Mr. Johnson had expressed 
themselves as satisfied with their treatment by the 
Society.* He considered that under the circum- 
stances the discussion of this subject should be 
carried on no further in the Society, and declared 
it closed. 

A communication from Edward H. Thompson, 
United States Consul at Merida, Yucatan, was read 
by the President. This was a resume of his work 
in exploring- the ancient ruins of Yucatan during 
the past year ; and the writer promised more full 
details in the future. 

Mr. Caleb A. Wall read a brief sketch of the 
Wellington Family, and its branches and connec- 
tions. 

W'illiam S. Barton, Esq., presented to the Society 

a copy of Benton's "Thirty Years' View," which was 

» 
formerly owned by his father, the late Judge Ira M. 

Barton. The thanks of the Society were voted for 

the gift. 

The meeting was then adjourned. 

* In a letter to Mr. F. P. Rice Mr. Johnson says: "The Society of An- 
tiquity has behaved very handsomely towards us Garrisonians, and I am 
grateful for the opportunity it has given us to make the explanations rendered 
necessary by .Mr. Thayer's attack." Mr. Thayer approved of closing the 
discussion before the Society, and w ished to have it stated that he had fully 
replijd to Mr. Johnson's Review, and also to the remarks of Hon. W. W. 
Rice, made at the same meeting, in the IForccs/c'r Daily Telegram of May 

12, 1S87. 



132 

Regular meeting, Tuesday evening, September 6. 

Present : Messrs. Abbot, G. F. Clark, Crane, 
Estey, Gould, Harrington, J. A. Howland, Meriam, 
G. Maynard, Otis, F. P. Rice, Stedman, J. A. Smith, 
Tucker, and four visitors. — 18. 

Hon, Phinehas Ball and W. A. Houghton of 
Worcester, and H. A. White of Leicester, were 
admitted as active members of the Society. 

The Librarian reported 201 gifts during the 
month. 

The President spoke of a memorial to Jonas Rice, 
the first permanent settler of Worcester, and said 
that the Society would do well to act in the matter. 

Mr. Rufus N. Meriam read the following gen- 
ealogical paper. 



^33 



SOME MERIAMS. AND THEIR CONNEC- 
TION WITH OTHER FAMILIES. 

BY RUFUS N. MERIAM. 



The eldest book extant of which we liave any knowledge, 
(with the possible exception of the Book of Job), is historical, 
and largely genealogical, as its title indicates. We should know 
nothing positive of the origin of this earth, and the introduction 
of life upon its surface ; nothing ot the introduction of sin and its 
conse(|Ucnt hereditary evils, and the immediate promise that the 
seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head as the effectual 
remedy, were it not for these early records, which science and 
human experience have verified as true. What should we know 
of the generations of man before the Flood were it ncjt for that 
fifth chapter of txenesis, or the re-peopling of the earth after the 
Deluge except for the record in the tenth and eleventh chapters? 
To me, these are among the most interesting passages in the old 
Scriptures; as well as the first ( ha])ter of Matthew's (lospel and 
the third of Luke. 

In giving some account of the Meriams of this country, and 
their marital relation to other families, it is not my design in the 
present paper to furnish a full genealogy thereof. — time and your 
patience will not jjermit ; that must be left to a more elaborate 
and concerted work — but rather a sort of bird's-eye view that may 
not prove altogether uninteresting. 

In ('ounty Kent, England, the ancient Cantium, where dwelt 
the Cantii, where was established the first kingdom of the Saxon 
Heptarchy, and where first landed the Romans when they invaded 
Britain, called " the garden of England," and described in the 
"Gazeteer's or Newsman's Interpreter," published in London, in 



134 

1716, by "Lawrence Echard, A. M., of Christ's College, in Cam- 
bridge," as "a very rich and pleasant Countrey, lying between the 
Thames and the narrow seas," one district of which, called the 
"Weald of Kent," exhibiting "the most delightfully diversified 
scenery that can be imagined," — in a pleasant little vil- 
lage in this County, called Hadlow, lived, died, and on Sep- 
tember 23, 1635, "'2-S buried William Miriam. From him are 
descended all in this country who legitimately bear his name, 
spelt either with one or two r's, or, as is now universally the case, 
with e instead of /preceding the r. I say legitimately, for there are 
some who go by this name who are not Meriams ; notably some 
of the descendants of John Marion of Watertown and Boston, a 
Welshman, whose name is spelt several different ways in the Boston 
records, and by Savage erruniously mixed up with the genuine 
Meriam stock. Such undoubtedly are the Ashburnham Merriams 
named in Mercy Hale-s memoir of the Lawrence families, and in 
the recent town history, one of whom, Otis, recently died in 
Chelsea, Mass. Joel Merriam, who recently died in Worcester, 
and whose widow, children and grandchildren now reside here, 
was a native of Westminster, in this county, and his father's name 
was Perry, but for some reason which his widow declines to give, 
he and one of his brothers changed their names to Merriam. It 
is well to make record of such facts, as it may save the future 
historian from going astray. 

William Miriam was by trade a clothier, and, though probably 
of an untitled family, having no coat of arms, was quite wealthy, 
owning lands in Hadlow, where he resided, Goodhurst, Yalding, 
and Tudeley, all small villages near Tunbridge. From his will * 
found by William S. Appleton, Esq., recorded in the city of 
Rochester, Kent, we learn that his wife's name was Sara ; that 
he had five daughters, Susan, Margaret, Joane, Sara, and one 
other, then deceased, who married a Howe ; and three sons, 
Joseph, George and Robert. He also mentions his grandchildren 
by the name of Howe ; his granddaughter Mary, daughter of 

* Dated Sept. 8, 1635, ^"'^' proved Nov. 27, 1635. 



( 



135 

George ; grandson William, son of Joseph ; and aj)points his son 
Robert sole executor. 

Tradition says that (leorge had sailed for America in May, 
previous to the death of his father. If so, it is (juite evident he 
did not bring over his family till later, probably in 163S, as the 
births of the following children are recorded in I'unbridge, Kent, 
where he married Susan Raven October 16, 1627 ; \iz. : Mary, 
born and died 1628; Mary, born 1630; Elizabeth, born 1635; 
and Joseph, born 1637, who all died young. Mary, the one 
named in her grandfather's will, died August 10, 1646 ; and the 
first birth recorded in Concord, Mass., where tlie three brothers 
settled, was Elizabeth, born November 8, 1641, who died in 
infancy. 

According to the Charlestown records Robert seems to have 
first located there, as in 163S he owned lands there with "house, 
storehouse, &c.," and record says "removed to Concord." More- 
over, from the Note-Book of Thomas Lechford, Esq., recently 
ivabli.^hed by the .American Antiipiarian Society, it is positively 
known that Robert and Joseph were in England in the spring of 
1638, and that Joseph, and probably Robert and the families of 
the three l)rothers. with their househoUl effects, sailed from London 
in .April, in the ship Castle of London, which arrived at Charles- 
tvnvn ill July of that }ear. Josejjh, Thomas Rucke, and William 
Hatch were joint undertakers for this voyage, and the two former 
entrusted the whole matter to Hatch, who, in the final settlement, 
seems not to have been quite honest, for out of it arose two suits 
at law. as shown by the depositions of Robert and Joseph Meriam, 
and Thomas Rucke, taken by Governor Winthrop in June, 1639. 
All that is known as to the final disposition of tliese cases is con- 
tained in the following letter, entered in the Note-Book but after- 
wards crussed out. 

"John Winthrop Escjr Governor of the Jurisdiccon of the 
Mattachusetts bay in New England To the wor" my Friend & 
neighl)or [William Bradford] Esqr Governor of the Jurisdiccon 
of New Plymouth salutacons in the Lord ivic. Forasmuch as 
blessed be the Lord God there hath bin & is and it much con- 
cerneth that ever there should be mutuall amity and correspond- 



136 

ance betweene our severall Plantations and to the end Justice 
may be equall administred to tlie Kings subjects w"' us it will 
often to passe that we shall have occasion to write one unto the 
other touching justice to be done and partyes to be righted in 
their causes as hath bin used heretofore according to the w''' good 
custome I shalle request you that you cause full & speedy justice 
to be done betweene Joseph Meriam & William Hatch in the 
cause herewith sent unto you according as you shall find the 
merits of the said cause to require And the like favour & justice 
you for any of yo" shall upon occasion offred finde w"* us And I 
likewise send you the depositions of Robert Meriam tS: Thomas 
Rucke taken before myself concerning the said cause. Thus I 
wish you right heartily well to fare in the Lord & rest 

•'Yo*^ loving friend 

"JoWGov^" 
"Boston 22. (6) 1639." 



The town of Concord, Massachusetts, was incorporated Sept. 
3, 1635, ^'"'^ ^^^ ^^^^ settlement made in the fall of that year. 
"The first houses were built on the south side of the hill from the 
publick square to Meriam's Corner, and the farm lots laid out 
extending back from the road across the 'great fields and great 
meadows,' and in front across the meadows on Mill brook. Huts 
were built by digging into the bank, driving posts into the ground, 
and placing on them a covering of bark, brushwood, or earth. 
The second year houses were erected." Johnson, in his "Won- 
der-working Providence," gives a vivid description of the trials to 
which these settlers were subjected in those early days. 

"Meriam's Corner" is "about a mile from the center of the 
town, on the Boston road, at the junction of the thoroughfare of 
the old road to Bedford," and an important point at the time of 
the Revolution. A garrison-house stood near by, and after the 
first onset, at the " Concord Fight," when the British fell back, 
about 150 Provincials went across the "Great Field" to intercept 
them at this place, where throughout the day " this little band of 
patriots kept the enemy at bay, and on the happy arrival of rein- 
forcements, caused him to make a precipitate retreat." 



^2>7 

Robert- Meriam (William^), if we take his age as given in 
his deposition in the Meriam-Hatch case, 1639, as " about 26 
years," was b. in 16 13, but if the record of his age at the lime 
of his death, Feb. 16, 16S1-2, 72 years, is correct, he was b. at 
least three years earUer. He m. Mary, dau. of Edmund Sheaf, 
who was bap. at Cranbrook, Kent, Sept. 26, 1620, and d. in Con- 
cord, July 22, 1693. aged 72. They d. without issue, leaving 
by their wills much valuable property to relatives specified 
therein. He names his w. Mary ; his nephew Isaac Day in Old 
England, son of his sister Joan Day, deceased ; Robert Meriam 
of Cambridge, son of his nephew Joseph Meriam, deceased ; his 
nephew Jonathan Hubbard ; the ch. of his two deceased broth- 
ers, Joseph and George Meriam, viz., William, John, and Samuel 
Meriam : Elizabeth Hinchkmans ; Susan Scotchford ; Elizabeth 
West ; Hannah Taylor, and Abigail Bateman ; his nephew John 
Buss, and Sarah Wheeler who formerly lived with him ; w. Mary 
executrix. She names her nephew Jonathan Hubbard ; her niece 
Elizabeth Corwin, eldest dau. of her bro. Jacob Sheaf; her niece 
Mrs. Mehitable Sheaf, youngest dau. of the same bro. ; her sis- 
ter's four ch. living in the southern parts, viz., John, Nathaniel, 
Mary, and Joanna Chittenden ; her nephews John and Samuel 
Ruck ; her nephew William Meriam ; her niece Elizabeth West ; 
her nephew Isaac Day ; her nephew John Meriam ; her nephew 
Scotchford, and her nephew Robert Meriam. Her executors were 
Jonathan Hubbard, John and Samuel Meriam. 

The land in Cambridge which Robert left to Isaac Day was on 
condition that he should come over and take possession before 
the death of Mrs. Meriam, with which he complied, and lived in 
Cambridge, with his w. Susanna, where he had two ch. b., viz., 
Robert, b. Oct. 24, 1686, d. Feb. 4, 1688-9; Susanna, b. Nov. 
28, 1688. In a deed of an estate in Cambridge which, in con- 
junction with Mrs. Meriam, he sold to Richard Proctor of Boston 
in 1692, he is described as "heretofore citizen and embroiderer 
of London." As no other trace of this family is found they 
probably returned to England. 



138 

John, Nathaniel, Mary, and Joanna Chittenden were ch. of 
William, and lived in Guilford, Conn., " southern parts." Eliza- 
beth Corwin was w. of Jonathan of Salem. John and Samuel 
Ruck (Rucke) were of Salem, and were sons of Thomas of 
Charlestown, who was partner with Joseph Meriam and William 
Hatch, undertakers on board the ship Castle, and whose w. was sis. 
to Mrs. Mary Meriam. Jonathan Hubbard was son. of John of 
Weathersfield and Hadley, and gr.-son of George Guilford ; but 
whether his mother was a Meriam or a Sheaf I am unable to say. 

Robert Meriam was admitted freeman March 13, 163S-9. He 
was a prominent man in town, being a trader, commissioner, 
town clerk, representative and deacon of the church, besides 
administering, or assisting to administer several estates. 

Besides the five ch. of George'^ and Susan (Raven) Meriam, 
previously mentioned, tTiey had six others, viz. : SamueP and 
Hannah^, twins, b. 14 : 5 : 1642 ; EUzabeth ^, b. 21:5: 1643 ; 
Susanna^, b. Nov. 3-8 or 11, 1645 (these three dates being 
given) ; Abigail^, b. 25 : 5 : 1647 ; and Sarah ^ b. 17:5: 1649. 
Samuel^, m. Ehzabeth Townsend, and Shattuck says, "had four 
daughters," but in fact had six daughters and one son, as I learn 
from Mr. George Tolman, a corresponding member of this Society, 
who has made a thorough examination of the Concord records ; 
viz. : Mary^ Elizabeth'*, Sarah'*, Susanna^ Samuel*, Hannah'*, and 
Abigail*. Of these daughters, Susanna* m. John, s. of Eliphalet 
and Mary (Hunt) Fox of Concord, and g. s. of Thomas and 
Rebecca of Watertown and Concord ; and Hannah* m. his bro. 
Dea. Nathaniel Fox of Concord and Dracut. Both d. leaving 
families. Samuel*, the only son, m. Abigail Lee and had one son, 
SamueP, an only ch. who d. unmarried, thus ending the male line 
of George'^ the emigrant. Samuel*, erroniously called s. of John 
and Mary Cooper by Shattuck, was dea. of the church, and in his 
will, dated June 9, 1763, mentions his "sis. Gates of Harvard, 
deceased ; sis. Sarah Wheeler of Concord ; sis. Susanna Fox of 
Concord ; sis. Hannah Fox of Dracut ; and sis. Abigail Marble of 
Stow." 



139 

Hannah^ (George'-^, William^), in. ist., June 14, 1665, Henry 
Axdell, or Axtell, as the name was afterwards and is still spelt, 
who was of Marl!)oro' in 1660. He was s. of Thomas, who came 
to this country Aug. 1635 from Burkhamstead, Eng., and settled 
in Svidburv, where he d., and was buried March 8, 1646. They 
hatl four ch. : Mary'', b. Aug. 8, 1670, and m. May 24, 1698, 
Zachariah Newton; Thomas*, b. May or Aug. 8, 1672, and m. 
Nov. 2, 1697, Sarah Parker : Daniel'', b. Nov. 4, 1673 j ^^'^^^ Sarah'', 
b. Sept. 28, 1675. Henry was killed by the Indians on the road 
between Marlboro' and Sudbury, April 19, 1676, and his widow 
m., July 16, 1677, William Taylor of Concord by whom she had 
no ch. She d. Dec. 6, 1696. Thomas'* .Xxtell removed with his 
family to Grafton, Mass., about 1730, where he d. Dec. 18, 1750. 
He is said to have had a mind of his own in all matters, especially 
religi.jus matters, as the Grafton church records show, and he 
said of two of his sons, •' one is overmuch righteous, and the 
other overmuch wicked." He had six ch., viz. ; Thomas^, who 
d. in infancv : Sirah^, who m. Josiah Hayden ; Joseph^, who m. 
.•\bigail Hayden : Thomas^, who m. Elizabeth Sherman and Mary 
Sanger ; john^ and Abigail'. There are many of his descendants 
still living in this \icinity : in (irafton, Sutton and Worcester. 
One of his great-great-grandsons, Thomas^ by name, b. in 1S14, 
went to St. Louis when a young man, where he spent most of his 
life and held various important offices, being at one time collector 
of taxes for St. Louis County. .Another descendant, Seth J. 
Axteir-*. Jr., studied at Pierce Academy, Middleboro', Amherst 
College and Brown University ; was ordained a Baptist minister 
at Monroe, Mich. ; settled at West Medway, Mass., and removed 
to Needham ; was chosen President of L-.land University, New 
Orleans ; returned to Massachusetts, and is now in Medway or 
that vicinitv. Another descendant was the wife of Rev. Job 
Boomer, late of Worcester, and mother of Gen. George B. Boomer, 
whose monument stands in our Rural Cemetery. Another de- 
scendant was the late Joshua McClellan Armsby, so long con- 
nected with the agricultural works of Ruggles, Nourse, Mason c^: 
Co., in this city. Several other descendants did honorable service 
in the War of the Rebellion. 



I40 

Elizabeth' (George^, William^) m. Henry West of Salem. 

Susanna^ m. John Scotchford, s. of Thomas, and gr.-son of John 
and Elizabeth of Brenchley, Kent, a clothier, whose will, dated 
Jan. i6, 1600, was proved at Brenchley Dec. 26, 1600; of'whom 
Mr. Henry T. Waters, A. B. of L^ndjn says, "the testator of the 
above will was probably the ancestor of John Scotchford who m. 
S.isanna (probably), daughter of George Meriam, and d. June 10, 
1696." They had no issue. 

Abigail^ m. Thomas Bateman of Concord, and had numerous 
descendants ; and Sarah^ m. a Mr. Gove of Cambridge. 

From Joseph^ (William^), the remaining bro., are descended 
all who now legitimately bear the Meriam name, and his descend- 
ants are found scattered over this whole continent. He m. in 

England, Sarah , and they had three s. and at least three 

daus. ; viz., William'^ Joseph^, a dau. who m. John Buss ; Eliza- 
beth^, who m. Thomas Henchman of Charlestown, where they 
lived, died, and their wills are recorded ; Sarah', who m. William 
Hall ; and John' (posthumous). Joseph^ took the freeman's oath 
Mar. 14, 1638-9, the day after his bro. Robert, while (leorge did 
not take it till Jan. 2, 1641. Joseph- d. Jan. i, 1641. 

William' (Joseph-, William^) seems to have had three wives ; 

Sarah , Elizabeth Breed and Ann Jones. He settled in Lynn 

and had eight ch. Two of his s. removed to Connecticut about 
1714-16; viz., William* who settled in Cheshire, and John** in 
Meriden. William'* had four wives ; Hannah Dugal, Athildred 
Berry, Abigail Mower and Ruth Webb, by all of \\hcm except 
Abigail he had ch. From William' were descended Rev. Burrage 
Meriam of Weathersfield, Conn., who m. Sept. 12, 1765. Hannah 
Rice, and d. Nov. 30, 1776; the Rev. Clement Meriam, who 
graduated at Columbia College in 1805 ; and the Rlv. Matthew'' 
Meriam, who graduated at Yale Colli ge in 1759, and was settled 
over the Presbyterian Church in Berwick, Me., Sept. 25, 1765, 
where he d. Jan. 1797. One of Matthew's sons, John^, b. at 
Berwick Aug. i, 1776, m. Patience Neal and settled in Belfast, 
Me. ; was one of the original members of the Baptist Church, 
formed in iSio-ii; was Representative in 181 7; Chief Justice 



141 

of tlie Court of Sessions from 1S20 to 1826; and repeatedly 
cliosen S-'lectman. One of his sons, George \\'ashington^ Meriam, 
one of the crew of the schooner All)ert, which was burnt while 
lying at the head of Bishop's wharf, Belfast, Sunday, Jan. 1 1, 1829, 
perished in the flames with another of the crew, Thonias Reed, Jr. 
Another son, John Chase^ Meriam. and a com])anion, fell through 
the ice and were drowned, Feb. 5, 1822, aged 10 years. Another 
descendant of William''', James S.^ Merriam, is a lawyer in New 
York City ; and one, Augustus C.^, bro. of James S.®, is Professor 
of Greek in Columbia College, New York, and last fall was se- 
lected to be a director of the '"School of Athens" the present 
year. Another descendant, Perthia", dau. of Kphraim'', married 
Theophilus Hall, a '• ])h)sician of repute and skill" of Meriden, 
Conn. 

Theophilus'' Meriam, gr.-son of William^, b. at Lynn, July 16, 
168S, m. April 14, 17 14, Abigail Ramsdell, and was found dead 
on the ice on Saugus river, Dec. 31, 1744, and all trace of his 
family is lost, .\nother gr.-son, Ebenezer^, bro. of Theophilus^, 
s. of Joseph*, b. Feb. 11, 1685, m. ist. Feb. 13, i 709-10, Jerusha 

Berry, and 2d, Elizabeth , and d. between Oct. 20, 1753 and 

Feb. 6, I 754, dates of will and entry at probate. At a town meet- 
ing in Lynn, Oct. 8, 1722, he and Thomas Cheever were granted 
the privilege to build a mill on Saugus river, "at the Boston Street 
crossing," which they soon had in operation, being the first mill 
erected on the river. In 1729 he sold out to Cheever and moved 
to Mendon, where he was licensed, .Aug. i 2, i 735, to keep a tavern, 
and was surety for John Sadler and John Hazeltine of Upton, they 
being surety for him. He was also licensed the next year ; was 
Representative in 173^ ar.d 9; S.dectman in 1741 ; and chosen 
Assessor of ministerial rates, .April 13. 1744. At a town meeting 
Dec. 7, 1739, up )n his ])etition the town voted to pay him for 
serving as Representative, the Pro\ ince treasury being liankrupt, 
he promising to refund the money providing the General Court 
made provision for the same. He had eight ch., all named in 
his will. One of his gr.-sons, Ebenezer^ s. of Benjamin^ b. in 

Mendon Feb. 17, 1750, m. Margaret , b. May 20, 1750 and 

d. at West Brookfield Nov. 21, 1823. He d. at Paxton April 8, 



142 

lygo- They had four ch., sons, one of whom, George^, b. July 8, 
1773, m. Dec. 22, 1796, Dorothy, dau. of Rev. Dr. Joseph and 
Lucy (Williams) Sumner of Shrewsbury. He d. in Worcester 
May 22, 1802, and was buried in the old Mechanic street burial 
ground, and in 1879 his remains were removed to the family tomb 
in Shrewsbury by his nephew, Mr. George Sumner, an honored 
vice-president -Of this Society, who has in his possession a crayon 
portrait of his aunt Dorothy and an oil portrait of their only ch., 
George May^ Meriam. George* kept a bookstore in the "Old 
Compound," a one-story wooden structure on the corner of Main 
and Front streets, Worcester, and lived in the old Daniel Gould- 
ing mansion, corner of Front and Church streets, afterwards owned 
and occupied by Hon. Abijah Bigelow, Clerk of the Courts of 
Worcester County, and at one time Member of Congress. His 
brethren, Daniel Meriam and Joseph Sumner. Jr., administered 
his estate. His widow d. in Shrewsbury in March, 1841. Their 
son, George May^, m. Caroline Pamelia, dau. of Samuel Haven, 
Jr. of Shrewsbury, b. July 10, 1802, and at the age of about 30, 
after the death of her first husband, m. George J. Webb of Boston, 
and d. at Orange, N. J., in Jan. 1879, where her dau. Carrie Webb, 
was then living. George May^ d. in Worcester, where he followed 
his trade of printing and bookbinding, and was buried at Shrews- 
bury, as also was his infant son. 

Another son of Ebenezer'^, Ebenezer*, brother of George^ b. in 
Mendon Dec. 15, 1777, m. ist, Sarah Hitchcock who d. Jan. 9, 
1805, and he m. 2d, Mary Cutler. In 1790. at the age of 13, he 
was apprenticed to Isaiah Thomas, the celebrated printer of 
Worcester, with whom he remained till 1796. Fie then spent a 
few months in Boston, and from there went to Brookfield. now 
West Brookfield, and commenced the publication of the Massa- 
chusetts Repository and Farmers' yoi/nial, the Spy being the 
only other paper published in the county. This he continued for 
three years, printing upon the same press formerly used by Ben- 
jamin Franklin. In 1800 he began book work, and was assisted 
by his brother DanieP, in which he continued 51 years. The 
average number of boys employed in his office was about 8, and 



143 

the whole number of regular apprentices taught by him was 62. 
By his I St \v. he had 2 daus. and i s., Ebenezer Parsons^, who m. 
Aug. 23, 1S31, Rachel Randall of Worcester, where he was at one 
time engaged in business with Moses Spooner, printer. Ebenezer* 
d. at Wtrst Brookfield Oct. i, 185S. The celebrated publishers 
of Webster's Dictionary, at Springfield, Mass., were sons of Dan- 
ieb"* ; viz., the late George^ and Charles'^ Merriam. 

Many of the descendants of William^ and his s., John*, are 
scattered through the State of New York and the Western States, 
some being quite prominent in their localities, among them James 
S.^, and Augustus C.^ mentioned above. This John'' taught a 
school in Lynn in 1713, called a "grammar school" because 
Latin was taught in it. The other studies were "reading, writing 
and ciphering." "English grammar was not a common study, 
and no book was introduced into general use till about 70 years 
after. No arithmetic was used by the scholars ; the master wrote 
all the sums on the slate. No spelling book was used. There 
was no established system of orthography, as may be inferred by 
the different ways in which words were spelt, though some uni- 
formity now prevailed." 

John^ Meriam (Joseph', William^), b. in Concord July 9, 1641 
(posthumous), m. Oct. 21, 1663, Mary, dau. of John and Anne 
(Sparhawk) Cooper of Cambridge. Anne was dau. of Deacon 
Nathaniel and Mary Sparhawk. Lydia, the mother of John 
Cooper, after the d. of her hus. in England, m. Deacon Gregory 
Stone of Cambridge, and was the mother of Sarah Stone, w. of 
Joseph^ Meriam, bro. of John^. John'' was made freeman May 
12, 1675, and tythingman Feb. 24, 1699. ^^ ^^- -^^^- ^' ^7°3"4- 
He had nine ch. and his descendants are very numerous at the 
present day, some of whom we will notice. 

His s., John*, b. in Concord Sept. 3, 1666, m. ist, July 22, 
1 69 1, Sarah Wheeler, who d. in childbirth, and he m. 2d, Feb. 
16, 1692-3, Sarah Spalding, and d. July 3, 1737. By his last w. 
he had one s., John-\ b. Dec. 16, 1693, m. Nov. 15, 1714 Abigail 
Norcross of Sudbury, and went to Littleton. In the Proprietors' 



144 

Records of Worcester, I find the following, which I think without 
doubt refers to one of these two Johns : 

"[59] Worcester march 16 17 14 By order of the Honour' 
Comitte laid out to John Barron in the room &: right of John 
miriam a Thirty acre Lott at Worcester with right in comon to 
S"* 30 acres granted by S*^ Comitte may 20' 1714 to John miriam 
lying on y^ north sides of Connect road near burnt coat plain on 
and joyning to Indian hill : bounded East by land laid out to 
Benj'" Barron South by land laid out to Thomas & Jcabod Brown 
and undivided land: north by land laid out to Benj'" fifletcher 
West by comon land near mill brook & signified in the platt 

"Surveyed by D. Haynes" 

Then follows the "platt," which is shown on the map recently 
constructed by our President, Mr. E. B. Crane. 

Two of the sons of John^, Nathaniel"* and Samuel"*, settled in 
Bedford, where they became prominent in town and church affairs. 
Three of his ch. m. descendants of Thomas and Grace Brooks, 
early emigrants to this country, who first settled in Watertown 
and afterwards removed to Concord. Elizabeth"*, dau. of John^, 
b. Oct. 5, 1674, m. Dec. 6, 1694, John^ Farrar, called "Ensign 
John," of Marlboro', b. in Lancaster about 1672, and was killed 
in battle by the Indians in Sterling, Aug. ig, 1707. His widow 
administered his estate, and June 16, 1708, the Government 
allowed her ^i, ros. for the loss of her husband's gun. Among 
the original jjroprietors of Lai)paster, incorporated May 18, 1653, 
were John^ and Jacob^ Farrar, bros. who are said to have come 
from Lancashire, England, about the middle of the 17th century, 
Jacob being about 30 years of age. His wife's name was Ann 

, m. about 1640, whom he left with four ch. and about half 

his property in England till his house in Lancaster should be ready 
to receive them. He was appointed to assist in marking the 
boundaries of the town in 1659. John^ d. in Lancaster, and 
Jacob^ remained there till after the town was destroyed by the 
Indians Feb. 10, 1675-6, when he removed to Woburn where he 
d. Aug. 14, 1677. He had four sons and one daughter. Two of 
his sons were killed by the Indians ; viz.. Jacob", the eldest, Aug. 



145 

22, 1675^ ^^^^ Henry-. Jacob- left four sons, Jacob^, George*, 
John^ and Henry^. John^, who m. Elizabeth* Meriam, and was 
killed by the Indians, left two ch., John'* and Elizabeth''. Jacob* 
settled in the north part of Concord, now Lincoln, and d. leaving 
eleven ch. Jacob'*, the eldest, was killed in the famous battle 
called " Lovell's Fight," near Fryburg, Me., May 8, 1725, leaving 
five ch., the fourth, Jacob^ m. Mary'' Meriam, a descendant of 
\\'illiam* of Lynn. 

Joseph^, s. of Joseph'*, and gr.-s. of John*, b. in Concord Sept. 
16. 1709, m. 1st in 1733, Ruth Hunt who d. Aug. 17, 1749, and 
he m. 2d, Dec. 26, 1754, widow Hannah Wadsworth, and d. May 
5, 1 797. He settled in Grafton, on the '• Indian Purchase " of 24 
acres, which his father had received Oct. 28, 1729, but had never 
occupied. In taking possession of this land he slept the first 
night in the cleft of a rock still to be seen on the old homestead, 
where still dwell some of his descendants. " He sustained an 
unblemished character ; was fifty-five years Deacon of the Church, 
and first of the original settlers to die." His son and grandson 
of the same name, Joseph, were also deacons of the same church ; 
the latter of whom had a son Joseph who possessed the " butteris" 
used by his great-grandfather when he shod the first horse in 
Grafton. Of the third one, Mr. John C. Crane of West Millbury 
relates the following incident. "Once while fishing in the once 
fiimous trout brook in Merriam district, the writer encountered 
the venerable Deacon Joseph Merriam, then living. After show- 
ing him some trout weighing in the neighborhood of a pound 
apiece, the old gentleman tossed his head in scorn at them. Said 
he, 'When I was a young man and used to fish up and down this 
brook, I used to catch lots of 'em that would weigh from three to 
five povmds apiece ; those you have are little fellows.' "A memorial 
window has just been placed in the renovated church by his 
friends in Grafton, dedicated to the honor of his memory. 

Rebecca'', granddaughter of Dea. Joseph^, m. Dea. Tyrus March, 
of Millbury, father of Dea. IXavid T. March, who piloted the 
members of this Society on their late visit to the famous Indian 
19 



146 

soapstone quarry. One descendant of Dea. Joseph^ Dea. Henry 
Harlow^ Merriam, resides in this city, connected with the firm of 
L. J. Knowles & Brother. 

Joseph^ (Nathan^, Joseph*, John^), b. in Concord Jan. 26, 1743, 
moved to Mason, N. H., about 1769, where "he enjoyed through 
his long life a. large share of the confidence and esteem of his 
townsmen." Says Mr. Hill, the town historian, "To Mr. Meriam 
belongs the honor of being the first representative chosen, March 
1793, under the apportionment (when the town ceased to be 
classed with Raby). No citizen of Mason was ever more worthy 
of this mark of the confidence of his fellow townsmen." In Dec. 
1782, he was chosen one of a committee of nine, to "proceed to 
take under consideration the bill of rights and plan of government," 
and being one of the selectmen assisted in establishing the north- 
west boundary line between Mason and New Ipswich that year. 
He was also a trustee of the "Boynton Common School Fund." 
He has many descendants. 

Dea. Joseph*', s. of Dea. Joseph*^ of Grafton, b. there Sept. 19, 
1734, m. in 1762, Sally Wadsworth, and d. July 2, 1814. "He 
was a hale old man of nearly 80 years, when he met with a 
sudden and fatal accident. He was driving home from mill 
and sitting upon the front seat of his butcher's cart, when, 
coming down a steep hill in Grafton, the harness broke, the 
' tackling ' gave way, his horse fell, and he was precipitated to the 
ground, striking upon his head. The blow rendered him uncon- 
scious, and death ensued before he could be carried home." He 
had seven ch., the youngest of whom, Lucy'', b. Dec. 22, 1786, 
m. William E. Green, Esq., s. of Dr. John Green the first, of 
Worcester, by his 2d w., Mary, dau. of Brig.-Gen. Timothy Rug- 
gles of Sandwich, afterwards of Hardwick. He was b. at "Green 
Hill," Worcester, Jan. 11, 1777, and grad. at B. U. in 1798 ; a 
prominent lawyer in Grafton and Worcester ; in company with 
Judge Bangs and his s. Edward D. Bangs, Esq. ; and in his later 
years became a noted agriculturist at Green Hill, where he d. at 
the age of 88, July 27, 1865, in the room in which he was born, 
having outlived all of his four wives, Lucv beintj- the 2d. He was 



^^7 

a great-grandson of Capt. Samuel dreen, one of the founders of 
Leicester, and grandson of the Rev. Dr. Thomas (Ireen, a physi- 
cian and surgeon as well as preacher, who organized the Baptist 
Church at Greenville (South Leicester), and was ordained its 
pastor in 1736, and gave the land for the meeting-house, parson- 
age, and burial ground. 

I fmd the following thrilling incident in reference to Lucy 
Meriam (ireen, in the Aa/ioiuil .'/:,i,7V published in Worcester, 
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 1808, which seems to have escaped the notice 
of the historians of Worcester and Clrafton, and which throws 
some light upon the condition of the town at that time. "On 
Saturday afternoon last, the wife of William E. (Irecn, Escp, of 
this town, in attempting to pass to a neighbor's inadvertently 
pursued a path which led her to a large tract of woods, consisting 
of swamjis and almost inaccessible ledges. \v\ this dreary place, 
calculated to inspire sensations of horror in the most resolute 
mind, this tender female became alarmed, bewildered and de- 
ranged. .After traversing cliffs and morasses in every possible 
direction, until past 8 o'clock in the evening, she found her way 
into the road on the east side of the street in Worcester, which 
leads to (rrafton, her native place. \n this state of derangement 
she followed as is supposed a straight course until she arrived at 
her tadier's barn, which opened upon the road, which she entered, 
and ascending a ladder, concealed herself in the hay. In this 
situation she was found in an exhausted state at 1 1 o'clock on 
Monday. Her mind gradually recovered its tone as from the 
sensations of a dream. The interim from her concealment in the 
hay, to the time when she was discovered, is totally lost, as her 
senses had given her no intimation that a day had ])assed. Her 
feet were very much swollen, but otherwise she had received no 
material injury. We are happy to announce for the satisfaction 
of the sons and daughters of humanity in this and the neighbor- 
ing towns, who have taken so lively an interest in the distress of 
this lady and her afflicted friends, that she is in a fair way of 
recovery from her fatigue and that her mind will soon be restored 
to its wonted quietude and vigor. 



148 

" Mr. Green did not return from his ofifice till about 8 o'clock. 
Being informed by his mother that his wife was at his neighbor's 
he repaired thither without anxiety, for the purpose of attending 
her home ; but finding she had not been there, the tumult of his 
feelings cannot be described. By the help of a lantern and the 
assistance of his neighbor, he was enabled to trace the footsteps 
of his hapless wife, in a light snow which had lately fallen. He 
traversed her mazy windings until 10 o'clock, when he came into 
the road. Under the hope that she had returned home, he hastened 
to his house, but in vain. The alarm was early given, and the inhab- 
itants turned out with a promptitude, and commenced and pros- 
ecuted the search with a zeal most honorable to the cause of 
humanity. Information was immediately sent to the neighboring 
towns, and great numbers of the inhabitants, particularly from 
Holden, Boylston, Shrewsbury, Grafton and Sutton, assembled at 
Worcester early on Monday morning to renew the search, and being 
joined by the inhabitants of Worcester, and without a feeling for 
their own personal safety, amidst a torrent of rain, while a number 
of gentlemen who had volunteered their services, set off in every 
direction, to give and obtain information, continued the search 
until they were called in by the firing of cannon and the ringing 
of bells which was agreed upon as the signal of her being found. 

"A CARD. 

" W. E. Green, with the connections of his family, tender their heartfelt 
gratitude to their friends and fellow citizens of this and the neighboring 
towns for their kindness and zeal manifested in the late alarming event in his 
family. — While they make the acknowledgement as an evidence of their own 
feelings on the occasion, they are aware that the best reward to the benevo- 
lent is their own sensations." 

Lucy Meriam Green d. Sept. 8, 181 1, leaving a dau., Lucy 
Meriam, b. Nov. 12, 1810, who lived unm., a devoted educator. 

David Edwin^ Merriam, late cashier of Leicester Bank, is a son 
of Dea. Joseph'^ of Grafton. 

Joseph'^ (Timothy^ Dea. Joseph^), b. in Grafton Oct. 15, 1797, 
m. in 1826, Emeline Bidvvell of Farmington, Conn., sis. of Rev. 



i 



149 

W. H. Bidwell, D. D. He grad. at B. U. in 1819, and at Andover 
in 1822, in the same class with the late Dr. Anderson of the A. B. 
C. F. M. ; Dr. Hallock of the Amer. Tract Soc. ; and the Rev. 
William Richards, an early missionary to the Sandwich Islands. 
During that year, 1822, Dr. Rice of Richmond, Va., came to 
Andover to induce students to go as missionaries to labor in Vir- 
ginia ; and he, in company with a classmate, traveled to Richmond 
in a one-horse wagon, and labored over a year, when he went to 
Randolph, Ohio, and was installed in 1824 over the then new 
church, where he was still pastor in Oct. 1880 (but has since died), 
at which time only one of the original members, a man of 80 years, 
survived. Soon after marriage they moved into a new house, 
built for them, in which they celebrated their golden wedding 
in 1876, They have had five ch., of whom three were living in 
1880, and twenty gr.-ch. Enfeebled by age he was then only able 
to attend church meetings, keep the records, and preach funeral 
sermons. Sept. 11, 1880, he performed his 180th marriage cere- 
mony for members of his church. He was then the oldest Con- 
gregational pastor in the Western Reserve, and his wife was still 
living. 

Timothy® (Josiah^ Joseph*, John^), b. Sept. 29, 1757, m. Hulda 
Darling and became a noted physician in Framingham, where he 
d. Sept. 17, 1835, within twelve days of reaching his 78th birth- 
day. Another gt.-gr.-s. of John^, Samuel", b. in Bedford Nov. 5, 
1749, m. Feb. 21, 1785, Alice, wid. of Thomas Hadley, Jr. The 
record of her m. says, "Said Alice Hadley married in a borrowed 
suit of clothes." The probable reason was from a notion which 
formerly prevailed, that if a man married a woman and had 
no property with her, he could not be held responsible for her 
debts. 

Hannah'', dau. of Dea. Joseph" of Grafton, b. Aug. 14, 1765, 
m. Rev. Jonathan Grout, b. in Westboro' April 11, 1763, grad. at 
H. C. in 1 790, settled at Hawley Oct. 23, 1 793, and d. June 6, 
1835. She d. in 1792. 

Adolphus'' Merriam, a man of wealth and influence, living at 
South Framingham, and a member of the Cordaville Woolen Co., 



I50 

is a gt.-gt.-gr.-s. of John^ and his son, John McKinstry^ Merriam, 
is to be the private secretary of Senator Hoar during the next 
session of Congress. Another of his gt.-gt.-gr.-s., Nathan, who 
was b. Uved and d. in Princeton, was twice m. and had fifteen ch. 
Jonathan B. Sibley, a native of Grafton, constable, deputy-sheriff, 
and in 1872, City Marshal of Worcester, who d. Feb. 12, 18S7. was 
agt.-gr.-s. of Dea. Joseph^ Meriam. While deputy-sheriff in Wor- 
cester he had the honor, if honor it be, of hanging Silas and 
Charles S. James for the murder of Jonas Clark, Sept. 25, 1868, 
being the last execution, except one, that has taken place in this 
city. 

Another descendant of John^, El)enezer\ b. in Concord June 
20, I 794, was a distinguished statistician and meteorologist ; the 
original "weather prophet" who kejjt a record of the weather for 
thirty years. He originated the theory of cycles of atmospheric 
phenomena, from which has been developed the Weather Bureau 
of the U. S. Government. He d. at Brooklyn, N. Y., March 19, 
1864. 

Another descendant of John^, was John Newton^ Merriam, a 
sketch of whose life, with a portrait, is given in the Manufacturers 
and Manufactories of Nc'7Ci Eiif^hind. His bro. \Villiam W.^ m, 
Susan Dimond, and they went as missionaries to Bulgaria, Euro- 
pean Turkey, where he was murdered by native robbers July 3, 
1S62, and his wid. d. July 25, 1S62, from exposure, cold and 
grief, leaving an infant dau. Mary", b. at Phillippopolis Aug. 27, 
1 86 1, came to America and was brought up in the family of her 
uncle, John N. She m. Nov. 27, 18S4, Charles W. Coman of 
Ohio, and they are now living in Americus, Lyon Co., Kan. Mary 
Bates® Merriam, late a missionary to Africa, is also a descendant 
of John^. 

We now come to the other son of Joseph^, viz., Joseph^, and 
his descendants. He was b. in England about 1630, came here 
with his parents in 1635-8, took the freeman's oath May 22, 1650, 
m. July 12, 1653, Sarah, dau. of Dea, Gregory Stone of Cam- 
bridge, and d. April 20, 1677, aged 47 years. His tombstone is 
the oldest in Concord. After his d. his wid. lived with her ch. at 



151 

Cambridge Farms, now Lexington, where she d. April 5, 1704, 
aged 71, having survived her hus. nearly 30 years. They had 
eleven ch., a part of whom only are given by Hudson in his His- 
tory of Lexington ; viz., Sarah'', Lydia'*, Joseph'* Elizabeth'*, John'*, 
Mary'*, Roberf*, Ruth'*, David'*, Thomas'* and Jonas'*. 

Dea. Gregory Stone came to this country in 1635 ''^'""^^ settled 
in Cambridge ; was made freeman in 1636 ; was one of the mem- 
bers of the first church in Cambridge; Rei>resentative in 1638; 
one of the propiietors of Watertown ; and d. Nov. 30, 1672, aged 
82. He m. in England the wid. Lydia Cooper, by whom he had 
four s. and two daus., and was step-father to her two ch. by her 
former hus., John and Lydia Cooper, the latter of whom m. David 
Fiske, Es(p, of Cambridge Farms, who was a leading man in town 
and church ; was Clerk of the Precinct, a magistrate and surveyor. 
"The will of Dea. Gregory is a fine specimen of the wills of those 
days, witnessed before Daniel Gookin, Esq." 

Joseph*, the eldest s. of Joseph^, b. May 25, 1658, m. Charity 

. He was early at Camljridge Farms, being a subscriber to 

the first meeting-house in 1692. " He was not called so frequently 
to places of honor and trust as some of his kinsmen, but was 
elected tythingman, an office conferred upon none but the most 
respectalile citizens." He d. May 31, 1727, leaving two ch., and 
his wid. afterwards m. Andrew McClure. 

Mary'*, dau. of Joseph^, b. June 4, 1664, m. Isaac Stearns of 
Billerica, s. of John and gr.-s. of Isaac who came to this country 
in 1630, probably with Gov. Winthrop, and settled in Watertown. 
They have many descendants, among them Mr. C. C. Stearns of 
Worcester, the musical composer. 

Thomas'*, s. of Joseph^, b. in 1672, ni. Dec. 23, 1696, Mary 
Harwood of Concord. He was one of the original members of 
the church at Cambridge Farms in 1696, and he and others were 
granted leave to "build a seat for their wives on the back side of 
the meeting house, from goodwife Reed's seat to the woman's 
stairs." He held the offices of Constable and Selectman. He 
(1. Aug. 16, 1738, aged 66, and his wid. d. Sept. 29, 1756, aged 



152 

8 1. They had seven ch., viz., Mary^, Thomas^, Lydia^, Nathaniel^, 
Simon^, David" and Isaac^. 

Mary^ eldest dau. of Thomas'*, b. about 1698, m. Ebenezer^, s. 
of Ebenezer-, and gr.-s. of WilUam^ Locke, an emio;rant to this 
country from Stepney Parish, London, Eng. In 1715, Ebenezer^ 
Locke, at the age of 16, " put himself and of his own free will and 
accord, put himself apprentice to Joseph Loring of Lexington, 
House Carpenter and joiner to learn his art, trade or mystery. 
After the manner of an Apprentice." At the close of the inden- 
tures in this "memorandum," "It is to be understood yt ye sd. 
Apprentice is bound to Lydia Loring, ye now wife of ye above sd. 
Joseph Loring, and she to him, in all things to [be] performed 
what is above written." His father d. Dec. 24, 1723, and be- 
queathed •' him the sum of ten shillings in money, and one hun- 
dred and fifty acres of Land lying in ye North Township above 
Groton (now Townsend and Ashby), the which with what I for- 
merly gave him, I count to be his full part and double portion 
out of my estate." The same year he sold 100 acres of this land 
to his bro. Josiah, and soon after went to Hopkinton, where in 
1733 he bought land of John Howe, and in 1736 bought of Benj. 
Beduna land and a grist-mill. The same year he sold land to 
Josiah Rice, and in 1751, being then of the "Country Gore," 
now North Oxford, he sold lands in Hopkinton to Joseph Wood 
of that town. He and his w. were "admitted to full communion" 
in the church at Hopkinton April 4, 1725, and dismissed to the 
church in Oxford Sept. 3, 1738. In 1753 he contracted with the 
" Proprietors of Gardner's Canada Township," now Warwick, to 
build them a mill, but it was not completed for several years, as 
he was frequently driven from his work by his fear of the Indians, 
who were "doing much mischief in the vicinity," but gave as an 
excuse for not fulfilling the contract in the time specified, 1753, 
sickness in his family, and the death of a dau. of whom there is 
no further account. They had three daus. who lived to have 
families, and their descendants are numerous at the present day, 
viz., Lydia*', who m. Elijah Towne of Oxford and settled in War- 
wick ; Hannah", who m. Nehemiah Stone of Charlton, where they 



153 

settled ; and Susannah*', who m. Silas Towne of Oxford, and settled 
in Warwick, but he was not a bro. of Elijah. Susannah*' is de- 
scribed as "a woman of remarkable energy of character, and many 
persons cotemporary with her could testify to her many acts of 
charity and benevolence." 

Edward I. Comins, teacher, and President of the Common 
Council of the City of Worcester, is a gt.-gr.-s. of Neheniiah and 
Hannah Stone, as well as his half-bro., the late Capt. Julius Tucker 
of Charlton. 

Thomas^ (Thomas'*, Joseph''), bap. April 21, 1700, m. Tabitha 
Stone, and d. in Westminster, June 4, 1752, They had twelve 
ch., most of whom settled in Westminster, viz., Samuel", m. Anna* 
Whitney of Waltham ; Nathan", m. Mary Hosmer ; Mary^ m. 
David* Whitney of Waltham ; Hannah", d. young ; Thomas", m. 
Sarah Wilder ; Tabitha", m. Nathan* AVhitney of Waltham ; Lydia", 
m. Josiah Cutting of Narragansett, now Westminster; Hepzibah", 
d. young ; Elizabeth", m. Moses or Nathan Sawtell of Concord ; 
Hannah", d. young ; Eunice", d. young ; and David", who m. 
Patty Conant, and was the ancestor of Rev. George W. Phillips, 
late of Worcester, whose mother was Julia Stone, gr.-dau. of 
David" Meriam. Edward and George C. Wliitney of Worcester 
are descendants of Thomas* Meriam. From Samuel" (Nathan'', 
Nathan*) are descended Dea. Abner Holden^ Merriam, for many 
years Principal of AVestminster Academy, now of Templeton, and 
the Rev. Franklin® Merriam (JoeP, Nathan') of Waterville, Me. 
Jacob Harris* Merriam (Jonathan", Samuel") was a minister at 
Fitchburg. 

Lucinda* Merriam (Jonas'', Thomas"), b. in Westminster April 
15, 1791, m. July 15, 1814, Dea. Benjamin F. Wood, of West- 
minster, and their eldest ch., Franklin®, grad. at D. C. in 1841 ; 
taught school at Southboro' ; at Canton Academy, St. Lawrence 
Co., N. Y. ; at (Jilbertville Academy and Collegiate Institute, 
Butternuts, Otsego Co., N. Y. ; was Judge of Probate for Wright 
Co., Minn., in 1857 ; resigned in 1858 ; took"charge of the male 
seminary at Newcastle, Hardman Co., Tenn. ; returned to West- 
minster and opened a select school in its vicinity ; went to Marys- 
20 



154 

ville, Ohio, and established a female seminary, and is now at 
Binghampton, N. Y. Their 2d s., AbeP, grad. at D. C. in 1843 ; 
and at Andover Theo. Sem., 1848 ; preached at Warner, N. H. ; 
taught at Beloit, Rock Co., III. ; at Canton, N. Y. ; at Kimball 
Union Academy, Meriden, N. H. ; at Albany, N. Y., Academy ; 
and is Principal of the Collegiate Institute at Gilbertville, N. Y., 
at the present time. 

David'' Merriam (Isaac^, Isaac^, Thomas^, Joseph^), b. in Con- 
cord Jan. 28, 1760, m. ist, Phoebe Foster, and 2d, Betsey Conant, 
both of Ashburnham, and went to Walpole, N. H., and from there 
to Brandon, Vt., where he d. Feb. 15, 1849. He was several years 
selectman, and filled other town offices. He was deacon of the 
church a long time ; "a man of an uncommonly mild and quiet 
temperament, and his death was as placid as his life had been 
peaceful." 

Isaac'' (Isaac^), b. in Concord Jan. 26 or 27, 1762, was a soldier 
in the Revolution ; m. Betsey Waite ; removed to Northumber- 
land, N. H., and d. at Jackson, N. Y., Feb. i, 1853, aged 91. 

Jonathan'' (Isaac^), b. in Concord, in 1764; went to Brandon, 
Vt. ; nl. a dau. of John Conant, Esq., of Brandon ; was selectman 
and filled other town offices ; and was dea. of the Baptist Church. 
He had two s., Isaac^ and Jonathan*, who were Baptist ministers. 
This Isaac*^ I think to be the one who was settled at Webster in 
1829, and at Sturbridge in 1836. 

Isaac Foster* (David'', Isaac"), b. in Brandon, Vt., July 27, 
1790, m. June 23, 181 7, Cynthia Conant, and d. Sept. 30, 1856. 
He was a distinguished physician, having studied with Dr. Joel 
Green of Brandon. 

Laureston Alphonso^ (Herschel Parks*, Jonas Davis'', Isaac''), 
b. in Malone, N. Y., Dec. 7, 1843, m- March 8, 1873, Maitie D. 
Carter of Waukan, Wis., but a native of N. Y. State, "a success- 
ful sketch writer, and has been given the name of 'The Fanny 
Fern of the West.' She is a regular contributor to several Eastern 
periodicals, among which the New York Weekly has been the 
most prominent." He received a classical and scientific educa- 
tion at Franklin Academy, Malone, grad. in 1867, and at the U. 



155 

of Mich, in 1873, with the degree of M. D. He practiced at 
Berhn, Wis., and Cresco, Iowa, till 1879, the summer of which 
and the ft)llo\ving winter he spent in N. Y. City, matriculating at 
Bellevue Hosp., Med. Coll. and Univ., especially in diseases of 
the nervous system. He returned to Cresco for a while, and 
June I, 1 88 1, went to Omaha, Neb. While in Iowa he was sec- 
retary and treasurer of the Howard Co. Medical Society ; delegate 
to the Am. Medical Association, 1876; and has been secretary 
and treasurer, vice-president and president of the North Iowa 
Medical Society ; was attending physician and surgeon to Childs 
Hospital, Omaha, in 1882-3 ; is a member of Douglas Co., Neb., 
Medical Society, and Nebraska State Medical Society; and was 
elected Prof, of the Principles and Practice of Medicine in Neb. 
Univ. Coll. of Med., June 14, 1883, which position he still holds; 
and is a regular contributor to the Courses of Medicine and Sur- 
gery of St. Louis. His parents are still living at Berlin, Wis. 

Robert* (Joseph''^), b. Dec. 17, 1667, m. Abigail Hayward. 
He was a subscriber to the meeting-house at Cambridge Farms 
in 1692; assessor in 1700; and in 1711, one of the subscribers 
for the purchase of the common. He and his w. were admitted 
to the church in 1698. They had nine ch., one of whom, Jona- 
than^, moved to the "Country Gore" (North Oxford), in May, 
1729, with his bro. Dr. Hezekiah^, and cousin, Ebenezer^, where 
they bought of Joseph Haven and Henry Mellen, of Hopkinton, 
400 acres for ^315, 6s., one fourth part of which, on the 13th of 
the following Aug., they sold to Joshua*, bro. of Ebenezer^ for 
;^85 "in good bills of Credit on the Province." Jonathan* built 
a house on the northeasterly part of this purchase, the site of 
which is still visible on the farm of the late Mr. George W. Hart- 
well, to whose granduncle, Capt. Isaac Hartvvell, he sold the place 
or a portion of it. by deed Mav 30, 1734. Some portion of this 
house was used in building the one occupied by Mr. H. Jona- 
than returned to Lexington where he d. Feb. 20, i 738. He was 

b. July 25, 1705, and m. Sarah . They had no ch. so far as 

known. 

Dr. Hezekiah*, bro. of Jonathan*, b. in Lexington May 30, 
1707, m. in 1725, Prudence . He went to the "Country 



156 

Gore" in 1729, and first settled at the place afterwards occupied 
by Joseph Childs, just south of the Ebenezer Locke place. The 
house was torn down within my remembrance. He afterwards 
moved two or three times, each time farther east, the last within 
the limits of Ward, now Auburn, where he d. Oct. 24, 1803, aged 
97 years, leaving a wid. with whom he had lived upwards of 78 
years. They had eleven ch., one of whom, Dr. Hezekiah*', m. 
Sarah Claflin. Dr. Hezekiah^ was both a physician and a farmer. 
One dau. Lucie*^, b. May 18, 1746, m. in 1767, Benjamin, s. of 
Dea. Jonathan and Patience (Morse) Keys of Marlboro', and 
settled in the North Parish of Shrewsbury, now West Boylston. 

Beulah'^ (Joseph^, Robert*), b. July 12, or Aug. 2-7, 1730, 
these three dates being given by different ones, m. Aug. 7, 1757, 
John, s. of Samuel and Dinah Chandler, then of that part of Con- 
cord afterwards included in Lincoln, but subsequently moved to 
Lexington, where he spent his days, dying Nov. 22, 1810, aged 
79. She d. P'eb. 9, 1813, aged 8^. He held a commission 
under .Gov. Bernard as "Cornet of his Majesty's Blue Troop" ; 
nevertheless he was not folse to his native colony, as he belonged 
to the Spartan band, headed by Captain Parker, in 1775. His 
sword, holsters, and a part of his commission are preserved in 
the family, and were in the hands of his gr.-s., the late Samuel 
Chandler. He held many important offices, being selectman in 
the period of the Revolution ; a member of the committee of 
correspondence ; and many years treasurer of the ministerial funds, 
which "he managed with great wisdom and fidelity." They had 
six ch. John'', the eldest, b. Dec. 31, 1758, m. Jan. 12, 1786, 
Peggy Mack of Salem, by whom he had ten ch. He was a mem- 
ber of Captain Parker's company, and was on Lexington Common 
on the 19th of April, 1775. He was also in a detachment of the 
company which was called to Cambridge May 10, and in another 
one which marched to Cambridge June 17, 1775. In 1779 he 
entered the marine service under Commodore Tucker. "Being 
on the southern coast he was included in the capitulation of 
Charleston, S. C, by Gen. Lincoln in 1 780. After enduring severe 
suffering from confinement and want of food, he was exchanged, 



157 

and in company with Joseph Loring, another prisoner from Lex- 
ington, without money and nearly naked, made his way home as 
best he could, depending upon the charity of the people, reaching 
Lexington after about a year's absence, destitute and wretched." 
After the close of the war he was actively engaged in the militia ; 
was elected captain in 1790, and major in 1796. He was also a 
selectman. Nathan', another s., b. Feb. 24, 1762, m. Oct. 24, 
17S5, Ruth, only dau. of Lieut. William and Ruth Tidd ; was a 
lieut. in the Lexington Artillery in 1793; selectman 15 years; 
ass^-ssor 11 years; town clerk S years; treasurer 13 years; rep- 
resentative 8 years ; senator and councillor 4 years ; and for a 
long time one of the principal magistrates of the town. Another 
s., Samuel', b. Feb. 16, 1766, grad. H. C. in 1790, studied the- 
ology and was ordained over the 2d Church in Kittery, now 
Eliot, Me., Oct. 17, 1792. He m. May 30, 1793, Lydia Spring, 
dau. of his predecessor in the parish, by whom he had a family; 
one s., Alpheus S." Chandler, was a physician in Columbia, Me. 

DanLP Chandler (John', Beulah'^ Meriam), 1). Oct. 14, 1788, 
m. June 7, 1S15, Suianni Downing. He entered the U. S. service 
as ensign in March, 181 2, and on the breaking out of the war, 
marched in Aug. to the frontier, in Col. Tuttle's regiment, win- 
tered in 1812-13 at French Mills, and was at Plattsburg in 1S13. 
While on a hunting excursion he was severely wounded by the 
accidental discharge of a gun, and being unable to perform active 
duty was detailed on the recruiting service till 18 14, when he re- 
turned to the frontier. He was promoted to the rank of lieut. 
and on the return of peace resigned his commission and returned 
home. He was 5 years Supt. of the Farm School at Thompson's 
Island, Boston Harbor, and was afterwards appointed Supt. of the 
House of Lidustry, and also of the House of Reformation in 
Boston, and d. June 16, 1847, of ship fever. 

SamueP Chandler, another s. of John", b. Oct. 26, 1795, ni. 
ist, Lydia, and 2d, Abigail, daus. of Amos and Lydia Muzzy. He 
entered the \J. S. service as ensign in 18 14, and was stationed at 
Pittsfield, from whence he was detailed to conduct a body of 
British prisoners to ("anada on exchange. Soon after his return 



158 

the troops were ordered to the Niagara frontier, and arrived at 
Buffalo the day before the battle of Lundy's Lane, but not in 
season for this corps to take part in the fight. Early in Aug. they 
were ordered to Fort Erie, then besieged by the British under 
Gen. Drummond, and kept in a close state of investment about 
two months. During this period there were two desperate battles 
in which he participated, — an assault by Drummond on the fort, 
Aug. 15, and a sortie from the fort, Sept. 17, which induced 
Druipmond to raise the siege. The loss in these two battles was 
returned at 595 Americans and 1700 British, including 400 pris- 
oners. After this trying campaign, during which he and others 
for five months never slept but with their clothes on, came the 
return of peace. Though he had been promoted, and held a 
commission of lieut. he had had command of a company, and 
was subsequently maj.-gen. of the militia. He held the office of 
sheriff 10 years ; was state senator, justice of the peace, and trial 
justice; and d. at Lexington July 20, 1867. His s., John L.^ 
Chandler, at the breaking out of the Rebellion was in Missouri, 
and entered the service in which he continued till the troops were 
discharged. He began as lieut., was in several battles, and pro- 
moted for gallantry from time to time till he reached the rank of 
lieut. -col. He was on Fremont's staff, and afterwards provost 
marshal at Little Rock. Three other sons, Joseph^, Samuel® and 
Edward®, were in the U. S. service during the Rebellion. Joseph® 
was taken prisoner at the first Bull Run battle, and taken to 
Richmond, where he was confined about six months. He re- 
enlisted in the 12 th regiment, was made quartermaster-sergeant, 
and was discharged to accept the office of ist lieut. in the 7th 
Mo. cavalry, and served as adjutant. Other descendants of Beulah 
Meriam were prominent in military and civil affairs, with credit to 
themselves, and satisfaction to those who gave them honor. 

We now come to John* Meriam, s. of Joseph^, the last one 
whose descendants I shall notice at the present time. He was b. 
in Concord, May 30, 1662 ; m. in 1688, Mary Wheeler, and about 
this time went to reside at Cambridge Farms, where he was a 
subscriber to the meeting-house in 1692, and chosen a dea. at 



159 

the same time. He became one of the most prominent men of 
the parish and town ; frequently represented the church in eccle- 
siastical councils ; was assessor under the parish organization ; 
and when the precinct was erected into a town, was chosen select- 
man, an office to which he was frequently recalled. The record 
of his ch. is imperfect, but he had at least eight, viz., Mary^, 
Benjamin"', John", Jonas^, Ebenezer", Joshua^ AVilliam''' and .Amos." 
Benjamin^ was b. Jan. 6, 1701, ni. Mary PoultLr, and d. .Aug. 
28, I 773. He \^•as one who marched to the relief of Fort William 
Henry in 1757. His dau. Elizabeth, b. March 10, 1735, ''^''- J^^^^- 
21, 1758, Jonas, s. of Ebenezer and ^Abigail (Adams) Brown of 
Waltham. Jonas Brown was an uncle of Ebenezer of Oxford, 
who m. Mrs. Bathshel)a (Nichols) Conant of Charlton, an aunt of 
Nancy Tyler Nichols who m. Samuel" Meriam of North (J.xford. 
Ebenezer was father of the late xAmos Brown, formerly in company 
with ("alvin Foster of Worcester, and built ''Brown's Block," cor. 
of Salem and Myrtle streets. They had si.x ch. and other numer- 
ous descendant.;. 

Benjamin'"' ( Ijcnjamin'', John'*) b. June 8, 1737, m. Feb. 28, 
1762, (dinger I\)rtcr, and d. in Pclham Feb. i, 1S06. They had 
eleven ch. One s., Rufu^', I). Oct. 28, 1762, m. in 17S5, Martha, 
dau. of Joshua and Martha (Bowers) Simonds, by whom he had 
seven ch., and d. .May 7, 1847. He was the first postmaster of 
Lexington, and for many years kept a pul)lic house. At the time 
of the battle of Lexington he was in his 13th year, "and used to 
tell of standing on the steps of the old Buckman tavern, after- 
wards his own residence, and seeing the British column coming 
up the road. Some of our men were firing from the house, and 
Mr. Buckman requested them to stop, as the British would be 
likely to return it ; but some loyalists present said there was no 
danger s j long as they were there " ; but the bullet-holes left in 
the house prove they were ini->taken. .A cut and description of 
this house may be found in Hudson's History of Lexington, and 
also in Barber's Historica! Collections. Joshua Simonds, father 
of Martha, '"was anionic the brave men who met the British, April 
^9' I 775- He went into the meeting-house for [)owder, and find- 
ing himself cut off from his company, cocked his gun and placed 



i6o 

the muzzle on an open cask of powder, resolved to blow up the 
house in case the British should enter it." 

Julia Ann*, dau. of Rufus'', b. Oct. 12, 1804, m. Aug. 22, 1827, 
Rev. Caleb, s. of Capt. Thomas and Elizabeth (Cook) Stetson, 
b. July 12, 1793 ; grad. at H. C. in 1822, and studied divinity at 
Cambridge ; ordained over the First Parish in Medford Feb. 28, 
1827 ; next settled at South Scituate, and after leaving there went 
to Lexington, and resided on the old homestead of his father-in- 
law in i860. There is a portrait of him in Hudson's History of 
Lexington. His father was a lineal descendant of Robert Stetson, 
commonly called "Cornet Robert," being cornet of the first 
company of horse in Plymouth County, and the original emigrant. 
Thomas was a shipmaster about thirty years in his younger days, 
but left the sea and settled in Harvard, where he d. in 1S20. His 
w., Elizabeth Cook, was a lineal descendant of Edward Gray, 
who was brought over in the Mayflower, at the age of i 7, by Gov. 
Winslow, his guardian, and m. the dau. of John Winslow, bro. of 
the governor. They were of Kingston, where their ten ch. were 
b., of whom Caleb was the 9th. 

Jonas^ (John^), bap. Jan. 12, 1704, m. ist, Oct. 1728, Abigail, 
dau. of Dea. William Locke, Jr., and cousin of Ebenezer who m. 
Mary^ Meriam. They were admitted to the church July i, 1729. 
She d. Dec. 1755, and he m. 2d, June 22, 1758, Sarah Winship, 
and d. July 23, 1776. He filled several town offices, and was 
treasurer in 1747. He had nine ch., all by Abigail. Her grand- 
father, William Locke, senior, came to this country when 6 years 
of age, with his relative, Nicholas Davis, in 1634, and d. June 16, 
1720. 

Abraham*^, s. of Jonas^, b. Dec. 23, 1734, m. April 22, 1756, 
Sarah Simonds ; lived at Lexington some years, moved to Woburn, 
and finally to Mason, N. H., where he d. Nov. 26, 1797, and 
where his ch. and some of his other descendants settled. 

Jonas", s. of Jonas^, and gr.-s. of John*, b. at Lincoln, formerly 
a part of Lexington, in 1730, m. ist, Nov. 1758, Mehitable, eldest 
dau. of Francis and Mehitable (Coney) Foxcroft of Cambridge ; 
grad. at H. C. in 1753 • admitted to the church in Roxbury, Oct. 



i6i 

6, 1754 ; received the degree of A. M. in 1757 ; settled over the 
church in Newton, their 4th pastor, March 22, 1758, and d. Aug. 
3, 1780, aged 50 years, having been pastor of the church 22 years, 
5 months. His \v., Mehitahle, was b. Aug. 19, 1723, and d. April 
22, 1770, aged 47 years. They had one ch., Meliitable, b. June 
5, 1760, who m. John Kendrick Esq., of Boston. Rev. Jonas" m. 
2d, in I 771. Jerusha Fitch of Brooklvn, who d. in 1776, and he 
m. 3d, Sarah Chardon of Boston, who survived him. He had no 
ch. by the last two marriages. He was buried in Boston in her 
flimily tomb, and a monument was erected to his memory in 
Newton. At a town meeting Dec. 9, 1757, it was ''voted to con- 
fer with the Church in giving him a call, requesting him to supply 
the pulpit till his ordination, and fi.xing his yearly salary at ^80, 
beginning with the date of his ordination, and fuel from the 
'ministerial wood-lot,' together with ^1000, old tenor, as an 
inducement for him to accept. The town also voted to defray 
the expenses of his ordination, which amounted to ;^i3, 6 s., and 
chose a committee to confer with him as to 'what manner he 
would chose to come into town,' and to wait upon him accord- 
ingly. He was the last minister settled by the town, which bore 
the expenses of his funeral, paying _;^6o for his coffin, and ^31 
for 1 2 barrel of beer and ^2 cord of wood." "In 1770 his house 
was consumed by fire, and in it the records of the church. His 
people lil^erally aided him in rebuilding, but the records could 
not be fully restored." The fire is said to have originated in the 
garret among some corn-cobs, and was discovered while the 
family were at supper. The table and its contents were removed, 
and preserved in the family in after years. His successor in the 
ministry records of him : " He was reputed a scholar of consider- 
able talents. He had a happy skill in composition. His natural 
temper was mild and amiable. Charitable towards the distressed, 
he studied peace through his life." These traits are well illus- 
trated by the following anecdote, related by his grandson as he 
received it from his mother. " After his marriage to Jerusha 
Fitch her mother came to reside with them, and brought with 
her a female slave, named Pamelia, whom she received as a 



l62 



present from her son, Eliphalet Fitch, Esq., then living in the 
Island of Jamaica. The treatment of this slave by her mistress 
sorely tried him. One day on seeing his mother-in-law strike and 
otherwise maltreat the slave, he asked at what price she would 
sell her to him. She repUed, 'One hundred dollars.' He imme- 
diately paid the price, and thereupon gave Pamelia her freedom ; 
but she chose to live with him, and did so till his death, after 
which she went to live at Little Cambridge, now Brighton, where 
she married, and died at a very great age. She always claimed 
that she was born in Africa, where she was stolen from her parents 
and carried to Jamaica where she became the slave of Mr. Fitch." 

Dr. Silas*"', s. of Jonas^ and gr.-s. of John*, b. March 5, 1737, 

m. ist, Dale of Danvers, by whom he had five ch. After 

her death he m. 2d, Lydia Peabody, by whom he had seven ch. He 
•settled in Middleton before 1760, and was a noted physician in 
his day. A long prescription which he gave to Capt. Isaac Hart- 
well of Oxford, and in the possession of his grand-nephew, George 
W., dated Oct. 11, 1785, closes as follows: "And if any more 
of the Hemlock Pills be wanting doubtless you may be supplied 
by sending to Oliver Smith apothecary, a few shops above the 
Court House in Boston, on the right hand going out of Town." 

Dr. Andrew'', s. of Dr. Silas", m. ist, Lydia, dau. of Dea. Francis 
and Margaret (Knight) Peabody of Middleton ; and m. 2d, Ann 
Jane Nixon. He had six ch., viz., Andrew^, Francis Peabody^, 
now living at Middleton; Silas^, b. Dec. ig, 1819, grad. at D. C. 
in 1844, studied divinity at Andover one year, class of 1847, 
taught in Kentucky three years, but his health failing, embarked 
in business at Marion, Iowa. He m. in Oct. 1850, Laura Park- 
hurst of Cincinnati, O., and has since died. James Nixon^ Martha 
Jane^ and William Augustus^ now living in Oakland, Cal., and 
has one son in Williams College. 

Jonas', s. of Dr. Silas", m. Nov. 24, 1789, Mehitable, dau. of 
John and Hannah (Smith) Peabody of Middleton. She was 
cousin to Lydia who m. Dr. Andrew'^ Meriam. Lieut. Francis 
Peabody of St. Albans, Hertfordshire, Eng., b. in 1614, came over 
in the ship Planter, Nicholas Travis, master, in 1635, ^'""^ Dea. 
Francis and John were his descendants of the 4th generation. 



i63 

Elizabeth'' (Dr. Silas''), b. in Middleton Nov. 14, 1784, m. June 
2, 1804, Col. Jesse Putnam of Danvers, a grand-nephew of Gen. 
Israel Putnam, with whom she li\ed 56 years and 8 months, he 
dying in 1861, aged 8;^. Nov. 14, 1884, she celebrated her 
looth birthday, being at the present time the only surviving 
Meriam of that generation except one, so far as my knowledge 
goes.* She is the mother of six sons and six daughters, all of 
whom lived to grow up and be married, and five of whom, two 
sons and three daughters, were then living. There had then been 
forty-two grandchildren, twenty-five of whom were living, and 
twenty-four great-grandchildren, of whom twenty were living. 
Col. Putnam was a highly honorable, public-spirited gentleman, 
and proved that the stock from which he descended had not 
degenerated. In the War of 181 2 he was commissionetl as colonel, 
and stationed at Beverly. He was a firm abolitionist, a friend of 
Phillips, Carrison and Whittier, but not a "Come-outer" from 
the church. .\t this anniversary were gathered four children, 
eleven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren, and the 
'•good old mother received more than 100 calls from her friends 
and neighbors," among them the Poet Whittier, who left his card 
inscribed, "To Mrs. Jesse Putnam at her looth anniversary. From 
her husband's friend in the antislavery cause. John G. Whittier. 
Oak Knoll, iith mo., 14, 1884." The Boston y^oufiial of the 
next day speaking of this gathering, says: "At Beaver Brook, 
(Danvers) yesterday, in the venerable New F^ngland farm-house 
of a century and a half ago, to which Colonel Jesse Putnam 
brought his bride eighty years ago last June, there gathered a 
notable company of sons and daughters, grandchildren and great- 
grandchildren, to tender their congratulations, and to bring proof 
of their love and esteem for the aged mother who still lives in the 
old homestead v.'hich her husband gave her so many years ago, 
upon her completion of a full century of life. . . . On either side 
were vignettes of 'Maud MuUer' and 'Mabel Martin.' Miss 
Burnham of Northampton, the head of a large and nourishing 
ladies' school there, a grandchild now abroad in England, sent a 

* She died Sept. 20, 1S87, ajjed 102 years, 10 niunths and 6 days. 



164 

centennial cake. The ladies of the Third Congregational Church 
in Chelsea, of which Mrs. Putnam's daughter is a member, sent a 
basket of 100 roses. There was a profusion of beautiful flowers, 
and a friend contributed a handsome century plant. Among the 
many who called were the Rev. Charles B. Rice of the First Parish 
Church of Danvers, the Fielder Israel of the First Church of 
Salem, Judge Chamberlain of Boston, city librarian (her son-in- 
law) ; the Rev. A. M. Merwin, missionary to Chili, who married 
a granddaughter of Mrs. Putnam ; and ex-superintendent Phil- 
brick of the Boston public schools. Dr. Grosvenor, the family 
physician of Mrs. Putnam for 46 years, also paid his respects. 
The aged hostess received her guests with great hospitality and 
courtly, old-time grace. Her complexion was wonderfully fresh 
and fair, and betokened a green old age of rare and beautiful 
serenity. No spot could have been more appropriately chosen. 
The ancient house, which is more than one hundred and fifty 
years old ; the antique china and queer old furniture ; the huge 
old chimney pieces, and spacious low-studded rooms, redolent 
with the sacred memories of four score years of peaceful home 
life. Across the way another old house, which has withstood the 
gales and storms of 217 years, and in which Gen. Putnam him- 
self was born, lends a sacred historic character to the place." 
The Salem Gazette of Aug. 12, 1885, says: "On Wednesday last 
Mrs. Elizabeth Putnam, over 100 years of age. visited Middleton, 
her native place, and was the guest of F. P. Merriam and family, 
in good health." On her i02d birthday she also received many 
calls and congratulations. 

Ebenezer^, s. of John*, b. in Lexington March 4, 1706, m. ist, 
Esther'^, dau. of Thomas^ Gleason of Oxford, who d. Dec. 8, i 740, 
and he m. 2d, Sept. 17, 1747, Elizabeth*, dau. of Ebenezer^, s. of 
William Locke, Jr.,* and bro. of Abigail^ who m. his bro., Jonas^ 
Meriam. He d. Aug. 20, 1761, and his widow d. May i, 1797, 
aged 77. He went to the "Country Gore" in 1729, and settled 
on the 400 acre purchase. He built his house where his s. 

* William Locke, Jr., was brother of Ebenezer', who married Mary^ Mer- 
iam, daughter of Thomas^. 



i65 

Jotham^ Meriam, Sen., and gr.-s., Jotham" Meriam, Jr., afterwards 
dwelt, a little west of the house which Ebenezer'' Locke, who m. 
Mary^ Meriam, built, which was afterwards owned and occupied 
by Parley Eddy, Sen., and later by his s., Rufus Eddy, who m. 
Phoebe^ Meriam, a gt.-gr.-dau. of Ebenezer^. He had ten ch., 
four by his ist w. and six by the last. Thomas^ Gleason was one 
of the original proprietors of Oxford at its incorporation in 1713. 

His wife's name was Mary , who d. March 13, 1737. He d. 

Jan. II, 1731-2. 

Ebenezer®, s. of Ebenezer^, b. in the " Country Gore " March 
28, 1734, m. Aug. 20, 1752, Phoebe* Locke, sis. of his father's 2d 
w., by whom he had ten ch. He d. July 16, 1795, and his wid. 
d. Oct. 27, 1802, aged 71. He lived on the old homestead ; was 
a farmer and brickmaker. His eldest dau., Molly'', m. Reuben 
Eddy of Oxford, and her gr.-dau. Mary Meriam^ Eddy (JoeP), b. 
April 8, 1S13, m. John F. Pond, then of Providence, R. L, after- 
wards of Worcester, where he is remembered as the chronic joker 
of the city. Another gr.-dau., Harriet N.^ Eddy, dau. of Daniel P.^, 
m. Isaac K. Tainter, a native of Leicester, but now of Worcester, 
s. of Harvey Tainter, Sen., the first postmaster of Cherry Valley,* 
Leicester, established in 1859, who m. Lucy, dau. of Ephraim 
Copeland of (rreenville, Leicester, Sept. 12, 1816. Lucy Cope- 
land was a lineal descendant of Gov. William Bradford, John 
Alden, and the Rev. James Keith who came from Scotland in 
1662. Her father was a very eccentric character, and many 
humorous anecdotes are related of him. Some provisions of his 
will illustrate this. He was twice married, and Lucy was the 
dau. of his ist w. He gave her the interest of ^1000., and to 
his 2d w. the same, with the addition of house-room and some 
minor things ; to the Baptist Church at Greenville land for an 

*The reason given why Harvey Tainter was appointed postmaster of Cherry 
Valley is, that a few years before an ineffectual attempt had been made to 
have a postoffice established there, and on its being renewed it was deemed 
necessary to the success of the enterprise that a Democrat should be named 
for postmaster; and as he was the only Democrat in the place, the lot fell 
upon him. 



1 66 

addition to the burial ground upon certain conditions, and land 
adjoining to it for the erection of a schoolhouse in which nothing 
should be taught but the spelling-book and Bible, and only female 
teachers employed. This institution was to be called "The Bible 
School, or New Testament sought out." As an endowment the 
institution was to receive $1000., the interest of which he had 
willed to his w., after her decease. He also made provision for 
a like institution in his native town, West Bridgewater, the endow- 
ment to be the ^1000., the interest of which he had given to his 
dau., at her death. The town of West Bridgewater voted to 
accept the bequest, but as the will was set aside in the interest of 
his widow, Leicester and West Bridgewater have remained in 
ignorance to this day. Furthermore, he gave instructions, though 
not by will, to have a tomb built in which his body should finally 
rest, and till this was completed he should be buried beside his 
I St w., with his head at her feet. The tomb was built, but his 
body remains as originally interred. 

Jotham'' (Ebenezer*^), b. Aug. 26, 1749, m. Sarah, dau. of 
Ebenezer Burnap of Sutton. He d. Aug. 22. 1798, and his vvid_ 
m. 2d, Col. Samuel Denny of Leicester. They had eight ch. 
Their s., Jotham^ gives the following interesting incident of their 
family life. " In these days when all our spinning and weaving 
are done by machinery, it will be interesting to notice the follow- 
ing incident which occurred in my father's family, in the old- 
fashioned spinning days of our mothers. It was in the spring — 
April or May — about the year i 794. I am not certain about the 
exact time ; I write from memory. At that time Uncle Stephen 
Pratt, who married father's sister Phcebe, resided in Charlton, 
about one and a half miles from father's, and his daughters often 
exchanged work with my sisters, for the two-fold purpose of doing 
the work in a short time and of enjoying each others' company. 
In those days to spin two double skeins of linen, 14 knots each, 
was called a day's work, and to card and spin 4 single skeins of 
tow, or 6 skeins after it was carded, was called a day's work. At 
this time Abigail Pratt, Uncle Pratt's second daughter, was here, 
and they agreed to try their power of speed and endurance on a 
certain day at spinning. In preparation they borrowed one or 



167 

two foot-wheels, and when the time api)ointed had come they 
commenced work bright and early. My mother did her house- 
work, and spun two double skeins of linen, and carded tow enough 
for six skeins of yarn of seven knots each. Abigail Pratt spun 
four double skeins of linen, and stopped work before night, her 
fingers being worn so as to bleed. (She was 17 years old.) My 
sister Sarah (i6 years old) spun two and a half double skeins of 
linen, one and a quarter tlays' work. My sister Anna, about 12 
years of age, spun six skeins of tow — all amounting to 27 single 
skeins, or 137 knots, or 7,480 threads; 14,960 yards or 44,880 
feet." '' Sister Sarah" mentioned abo\'e, m. her cousin Joel", s. 
of Ebenezer", and after her d. he m. 2d his cousin Phoebe, '^ dau. 
of Stephen Pratt. "Sister Anna" m. James", s. of James°, and 
gr.-s. of Joshua^ Meriam, bro. of Ebenezer^. Jotham' m. Sophia, 
wid. of John P.* Nichols, and dau. of Joel and Chloe (Hancock) 
Shumway of Oxford. She had a bro. Rufus, who lived and died in 
Worcester, in the large brick house on the west side of Portland St., 
near Park. John P.'' Nichols was bro. to Nancy T.'', who m. Sam- 
uel" Meriam (gr.-s. of Joshua^), and also bro. of the late Charles 
P.* Nichols of Worcester, the lame painter, who last lived on 
Main street, near Chandler. Jotham" was a farmer, living at the 
old homestead of his grand-parents, which he sold to David Fitts, 
who m. Chloe^ Nichols, a dau. of his w. by her ist husband, and 
moved to Monson, where his w. d., and he returned and settled 
near Clappville, now Rochdale, where he d. April 27, 1874, aged 90. 
He was a justice of the peace, and assisted in gathering material 
for a history of the Locke family ; a man of positive opinions and 
not easily turned from them when once his mind was made up, 
and always emphasized his statements by a peculiar motion of 
the index finger, and an unique twist of his lips. 

Reuben", s. of Jotham'^, b. Dec. 31, 1785, m. Nov. i, 1821, 
Eliza Jacobs, eldest dau. of Daniel and Rebecca (Jacobs) Tainter 
of Sutton, twin-bro. of Dr. David Tainter of Westboro', and uncle 
of Harvey Tainter who m. Lucy Copeland. They were descend- 
ants of Joseph and Mary (Guy) Taynter who sailed from England 
in April, 1638, and settled in Watertown. Reuben" was a ma- 
chinist and card manufacturer on Leicester Hill, and represented 



i68 



the town in the legislature in 1834. After the d. of his \v. Dec. 
26, 1872, at the age of 79 years, 10 months, he went to live with 
his bro., Jotham'', near Rochdale, but both being taken sick at 
the same time, he was removed to a neighbor's a few rods distant, 
where he d. April 27, 1874, within a few minutes of the death of 
his bro., aged S8 years. Another coincident of these bros. is the 
fact that each had an only s. b. in the same year, 1824, and both 
d. in 1850, only 10 days intervening between the d. of one and 
that of the other. 

Silas'', s. of Jotham^ b. Feb. 5, 1792, was 3 times m., ist to 
Mary Jacobs Forbes of Westboro', half-sis. of Eliza J., w. of his 
bro. Reuben'' ; 2d, Elizabeth Temple Bachelder ; and 3d, Harriet 
Pamela, dau. of Col. Samuel and Sukey (Vicery) Watson of Lei- 
cester, who after his d., April 13, 1856, m. for her 2d hus., Isaac 
S. Hutchins of Danielsonville, Conn., and is still living.* In his 
younger days Silas'' travelled in the West, and once owned land 
in Ohio, but about the time of his ist m. bought a farm in Sutton, 
where he resided till the spring of 1844, when he removed to 
Uxbridge, and about one year afterwards went to Leicester, where 
he d. One s. George Dwight^ b. June 27, 1826, m. Sarah Eliza- 
beth, dau. of John Loring of Leicester, a teamster who for many 
years did the principal freighting business between Leicester and 
Worcester. George D.^ settled in Worcester, where his wid. still 
resides, and his two daus. are among our^best teachers. At the 
time of his d. in 1862, he kept a fruit and produce store under 
the City Hall. Silas'' d. in Jan. 1855. His only other s., Silas 
Austin^, is a painter in Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Phoebe'' (Ebenezer", Ebenezer^), b. Sept. 11, 1759, m. Jonathan 
Pratt of Charlton, and their eldest dau., Matilda^, b. Nov. 12, 
1788, m. May 31, 1813, Lieut. Parley Stockwell of Sutton, who d. 
Jan. 24, 1814. She was murdered Feb. 26, 181 7, by Peter Sibley, 
who beat her to death with the butt of his gun. She had taken 
him as a boarder in charity, when others refused to harbor him 
on account of his violent temper. He was tried at Worcester in 

•She died in Leicester December 13, 18S7. 



169 

Sept. 181 7, and was acquitted on the ground of insanity. He 
was confined in the Jail till 1833, when he was sent to the Insane 
Asylum, where he d. in 1S51, aged 63, having been confined 34 
years. 

Ebenezer' (Ebenezer^ Ebenezer^), b. Dec. 4, 1764, m. Phoebe 
Stockwell, and resided on a portion of the old homestead, where 
their youngest ch., Wright StockwelP Meriam,* and two of their 
gr.-s. live. He was one of the corporate members of the " Oxford 
Parsonage Association," formed Dec. 11, 1816, with a capital of 
$4000., and rose to the rank of captain in the militia. After his 
d., March 29, 1820, his wid. m Andrew Parsons of Vernon, Vt., 
but still lived at the homesteatl. They had twelve ch., viz., Amos^, 
who m. Lucina King of Sutton, where he settled and spent his 
days ; Artemas^, who m. Jerusha Stevens of Charlton, and lived 
on the homestead ; Amasa^, who m. Philena Case, and settled in 
Millbury ; Parley^, who m. Lucy Brown of Thompson, Conn., 
went to N. Y. State, and in 1S49 settled at VVaupun, Wis., where 
he d. Aug. 24, 1S83, in his 89th year ; Ebenezer*, drowned in 
the clay-pit at his father's brick yard wiien nearly a year and a 
half old ; Cyril^ who m. Eunice Meriam Gleason of Ward, and 
d. by his own hand April 13, 1S38; Luther*, who m. Susan 
Gleason Marsh of Ward (Auburn), where he d. July 17. 1886, in 
his 89th year ; Ebenezer*, who m. Clarissa Cummings of Mont- 
pelier, Vt., where he resided a number of years, but is now living 
at Auburn ; Phoebe*, who m. Rufus, s. of Parley Ecidy, Sen., and 
lived on the Ebenezer Locke place, North Oxford ; Ira*, who m. 
Nancy Converse of Spencer, and wid. Persis M. Bellows, and 
resides in Oxford ; Diantha*, who m. Ithamer Stow, Jr., of Mill- 
bury, who d. Feb. 16, 1887, aged 84 ; and Wright Stockwell*,* 
who m. Eliza, dau. of Jesse Eddy of Auburn, and resides on the 
old homestead. 

Amos^ s. of John*, bap. July 25, 1715, m. Hannah Danforth. 
In I 744 he was one of a number of petitioners to be set off from 

* Died September 10, 1S87, aged 72 years and lo months. 
22 



Concord to the new town of Lincoln. Of his eight ch., one, Levi®, 
b. Feb. 3, 1756, m. Abigail Fife and moved to Berlin, and his s., 
Levi'', b. Aug. 8, 1781, m. Mary B. Stevens, and was of the firm 
of Merriam & Brigham of Boston, where his s., Levi B.^ Merriam, 
of the firm of Ellis & Merriam, iron dealers, b. April 28, 181 2, 
became an alderman, and d. April 19, 1856. His bro., Charles 
D.^ Merriam, b. x\pril 17, 18 14, m. Nov. 3, 1836, Eliza F., dau. of 
Francis Jackson, Esq. of Boston, the abolitionist. After his d., 
June 2, 1845, she m. James Eddy, then of Boston, now of Provi- 
dence, R. L His house is a "Museum of Art" ; and at his own 
expense he erected the "Bell Street Chapel," where by his invi- 
tation, a meeting of the "Eddy Family" was held, Oct. 20, 1880, 
to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the landing of John^ 
and SimueP Eddy at Plymouth. Francis Jackson^ Merriam, s. of 
Charles D.^, b. March 18, 1837, was with John Brown at Harper's 
Ferry, and one of those who made their escape. He m. Minerva 
Caldwell, and died in September, 1865. Mr. F. B. Sanborn in 
his Life and Lctte7^s of yohn Brown, devotes some space to his 
history and movements. 

Joshua^, s. of John*, bap. Feb. 22, 170S, m. Nov. 12, 1733, 
Susannah, dau. of Thomas'- and Susannah Gleason of Oxford, a 
niece of Esther, the ist w. of his bro. Ebenezer^. In the deed of 
land at the "Country Gore," which he received from his bro. and 
cousins, before mentioned, Ebenezer^ signed his name Mcriam, 
and Jonathan^, Hezekiah^, and Joseph, a witness, signed theirs 
Miriam. I have this deed in my possession, as well as other 
important papers relating to him and his descendants. To his 
first purchase he added other lands adjoining, and in other parts 
of the town, some now included in Auburn. He also owned land 
in Roxbury and Gardner's Canada ; the latter being the 60th share 
of the six miles square "granted by the General C^ourt to the 
descendants, or legal representatives, of such persons as were in 
the Canada expedition in the year 1690, under the command of 
Capt. Andrew Gardner." Nov. 12, 1751, he received from Lieut. - 
Gov. Phips, Esq., a commission "to be Ensign of the Foot Com- 
pany in a place called the Country Gore adjoining to Oxford 
Leicester and Sturbridge under the command of Captain Isaac 



171 

Hartwell in the first Regiment of Militia in the County of Wor- 
cester whereof John Chandler Esq is Colonel." Sept. 2, 1754, 
he received from William Shirley, Esq., "Captain-General and 
Governour in Chief, in and over His Majesty's Province of the 
Massachusetts Bay in New England, &c.," a lieutenant's commis- 
sion in the same Company of Foot, under command of Captain 
Jonathan Tucker (bro. of Hannah who m. John^ Nichols), and 
Colonel John Chandler, and at the same time he took the oath 
of allegiance. Gov. Shirley also issued to him a commission as 
lieutenant, June 10, 1755. -^y ^'""^ following documents it appears 
that he was afterwards captain of the same company. 

"26 Dcmber 175S. a Just and True List of the Names of 
Those men In the Country Gore So Called that marcht upon the 
the alarm to Releave the province Forts when beset by the Enemie 
and was In the St^rvice Eight Day & Marcht To Sheffield : also an 
account who Rid a Hors Back iS: who Did not allso how much 
was Taken up upon Governments Acount. — we were Detained 
two Nia;hts at Sheffield — 



Capt. Joshua Miriam 
Leat Jonhthan Wheelock 
Sargt Paul Wheelock 
Sarg Jonas Hammond 
Sarg Ebnezr Hammond 
Sarg John Thompson 
Clerk Uriah .Stone 
Corp David Wheelock 
Corp Nehemiah Ston 
Isaac Hartwell 
Jesse Smith 
Robert Miriam 
Elijah Stoddard 
Aron Thomson 
Hezekiah Eddy 
Elijah Curtis 
Uriah Ward 
Simion Mory 
Zeanos Mory 



(ors Back 


The Goveiut Accout 




Shiffield 


hors 


hors I nights 


hors 


hors 2 nights 


hors 




hors 


hors 2 nights 


hors 


hors 2 nights 


hors 


hors 2 nights 


hors 


hors I night 


hors 


hors 2 nights 


hors 




hors 


hors I night 


hors 


hors 2 nights 


hors ' 


hors I night 


hors 




hors 


hors 2 nights 


hors 


hors 2 nights 


afoot 




hors 


hors 2 nights 



172 

Asa Jones hors hors 2 nights 

Ebenezer Locke hors hors i night 

Malichi Partrig marcht to westfield hors 

Peter Heeman 

Joseph parker hors 

Job Weld hors hors 2 nights 



25 

Joshua Miriam Capt 

Although this account was not made up till Dec. 1758, which 
was probably done in order to obtain a settlement with the Gov- 
ernment, the expedition was in August, 1757, as the following 
shows : 

Capt. Merriam Sheffield, August: 15, 1757. 

Vpon fresh advice from Gen''' Webb Received 
your further Proceeding on your march appears unnecessary and 
as the Exigency of the affairs of many of your Company urges 
their Return home you are hereby ordered to march them to ye 
Countery Gore all Except Zeanas Morey and Discharge them 
unless you Receive Counter orders afterwards for which this shall 
be your sufficient Warrant Gard"" Chandler Major 

The reason for detaining Zeanos Morey does not appear. 

this may Crtefee whome it may Concern that I Samuell Lee of 
Shuffield hath keept fifteen horses a day and a night on the 
province bisnes belonging to Col Charnler Rigment under the 
Command of Left Joshua Miriam Aug 15''' 1757 

Joshua Meriam 

Whether the following refers to this or some other expedition 
I aiii unable to determine. 

Aprl the 3 Day 1759 
This may Sertefee whom it may Consern that Lew' Joshua 
Miriam Has done a Turn Li his Majestys : service In the expodi- 
tion for the Reduction of Canada 

Jonathan Tucker Capt 

There is also preserved among his papers the following : 



1/3 

Reseved of Joshua Miriam Twenty one Shillings t^' one Pence 
one farthing in full '"'' the hire of a man for lo go in the Conti- 
nental armey for three years Being his Parte of three hundred 
Dollars givin the man for going 
Charlton 3*' Sept yr 17S1 

Solomon Jones Chare"""' 

He d. June 7, 1784, aged 76 years, and his wid. d. Oct. i, 
1788, aged 72 years. The house which he built about 1730, 
and which received additions by his s. James'"', was torn down by 
his gr.-s., Samuel", on the erection of a new one near the same 
site in 1843, and the panel over the mantel in the parlor, on 
which is ])ainted what tradition says was intended to be a view 
of the tenon of Boston at that early day, was preserved, and I 
now have the pleasure of ])resenting to this Societ\' this relic of 
the days of my great-grandfather. Beneath the roof of this ven- 
erable old farm-house were born and reared three generations of 
children of ten each ; the b. of the first being Aug. iS, 1734, and 
the last May 20, 1S37, a period less than 103 jears, only four of 
whom are now living. 

Joshua'', s. of Joshua^, b. Aug. 18, 1734, m. ist, Abigail", dau. 
of SamueP Eddy of Oxford, afterwards set off to Ward, and sis. 
of SamueP, who m. his sis. Susannah'^ Meriam. He m. 2d, Mrs. 
Hannah Lovell, and y\, Ann Stockwell. Of his four ch. Jonathan^ 
is said to have m. a ''Dutch girl" and mo\ed to N. Y. State, 
and I have no further trace of him. .Abigail" m. 1st, William 
Forbes of Oxford ; 2d, John Plummer of Thompson, Conn. ; and 
3d, Josiah Prentice, Esq. of Oxford, and d. without issue. Lydia", 
m. Jonathan^, s. of John- Nichols of Charlton, and father of 
the late Capt. Thomas'* Nichols of Oxford, whose dau. Thirsa S.°, 
is one of our school teachers. John'' m. Plannah^ Nichols, sis. of 
Jonathan-^ and settled in Oxford, but d. in Charlton Oct. 6, 1840, 
aged 71 years. When a boy he lived with his grandparents, and 
his grandfather, Joshua^ Meriam, left him by will ^69, "equal 
in value to so much in silver as it stood in the year 1770," to be 
paid to him on his arrival at the age of 21 years, and which was 
paid by the executor, James'' Meriam, Dec. 10, 1789, for which 
he gave his receipt, witnessed by Marcy" Meriam and James'' 



174 

Meriam, Jr. He was one of the corporate members of the " Ox- 
ford Parsonage Association." He had five ch., only two of whom 
lived to grow up, viz., Celia', who m. Parley Eddy, Jr., bro. of 
Rufus who m. Phoebe^ Meriam ; and Sophia', who m. Timothy 
Morse of Charlton, several of whose gr.-ch. reside in Worcester. 

Susannah®, dau. of Joshua^, b. Oct. 23, 1736, m. Samuel® Eddy 
of Oxford. His descent was SamueP, SamueP, SamueP, John^, 
William^ who was a native of Bristol, Eng., educated at Trinity 
College, and was Vicar of Cranbrook, Kent, from 1589 to 161 6, 
and d. Nov. 23, 1616. He m. ist, Mary, dau. of John P^osten, 
Nov. 20, 1587, who d. July, 161 1, leaving ten ch. He m. 2d, in 
1 6 14, Elizabeth Taylor, by whom he had one ch. John^ Eddy 
and his bro. Samuel", s. of William^ left London for America 
Aug. 10, 1630, and arrived at Plymouth Oct. 29, 1630, and 
settled at Watertown. Sarah^ Eddy, dau. of John-, m. John 
Marion of Watertown and Boston, whose name and those of his 
descendants have become so mixed up with the Meriams on the 
records that it has been sometimes hard to distinguish them. 
Samuel^ Etidy, b. in Watertown Aug. 14, 1701, m. Elizabeth 
Ward and moved to Oxford in 1726, where he d. in 1762 ; but 
is said to have first gone there in 1720. ''He lived in a cabin, 
and one evening found that a rattlesnake had taken possession 
of his bed during his absence, which had to be ejected before he 
could retire." His s., Samuel®, hved on the same farm, situated 
in that part of Oxford afterwards included in Ward, and kept a 
public house during the War of the Revolution. He represented 
the town of Ward in the General Court in 1787. His gr.-s., 
Simuer, also resided there, as did his gt. -gr.-s., SamueP, who d. 
there Sept. 28, 1882, at the age of 86, whose s., SamueP, once 
kept a grocery store on the corner of Myrtle and Southbridge 
streets in Worcester, in company with Joseph R. Torrey, the 
razor strop man. In 1 793 Samuel® gave a deed of the place to 
his s., SamueF, on condition that he would support his father and 
mother during their natural lives, which obligation seems never 
to have been recorded, but is now in my possession, and is an 
interesting document. 



175 

Ruth", dan. of Joshua", 1). Feb. 4, 1739, m. Henry Burnet. He 
settled in Warwick. On the motion made in town meeting, July 
13, 1775, to confine the Rev. Lemuel Hedge, he voted yes. He 
had a social, jovial nature, and could appreciate a joke. There 
was an old lady friend ^f his, well advanced in years of "single- 
blessedness," whom he delighted to banter on that account, and 
who declared she would never marry. "Now," said he, "sup- 
posing there should come along a nice, rich young man and offer 
you his hand, don't you think you would accept?" "Oh, I don't 
know," she replied, "we're changeable critters." Years after- 
wards he would repeat this story and laugh heartily. 

Lydia", dau. of Joshua^, b. July 26, 1745, m. David* Gleason of 
Oxford, and settled in \\'ard. He was s. of Thomas^ gr.-s. of 
Thomas-, and gt.-gr.-s. of Thomas^* Esther'- Gleason, ist w. of 
Ebenezer^ Meriam, was his great-aunt ; Susannah^ G., w. of Joshua^ 
Meriam, was his aunt ; and Rutli'' (t., who m. Ephraim*"', s. of 
Ebene/.er^ Meriam, was his sis., so that his w. appears to have 
been his cousin. His s., Ezra^ Gleason, m. ist, his cousin Eunice'', 
dau. of James", and gr.-dau. of Joshua^ Meriam ; and he m. 2d, 
Marcy'', sis. of lumice'^. Eunice" Gleason, dau. of Elzra^ and 
Eunice'', became the w. of CyriP, gt. -gr.-s. of Ebenezer^ Meriam. 
David* Gleason was a farmer, and deacon of the church. His 
dau. Merriam'^ Gleason, m. Edward, s. of Comfort and Martha 
(Morris) Rice of Worcester, and gr.-s. of Lieut. Gershom Rice, 
Jr., whose father, Gershom Rice, Sen., settled on Packachoag 
Hill, so named by the Indians, says Danrel Gookin, "from a 
delicate spring of water there." 

Jame.s", s. of Joshua^, b. Nov. 30, 1747, m. Eunice, dau. of 
Thomas and Eunice (Putnam) Lovell of Sutton, afterwards set 
off to Millbury. They lived on the old homestead of his father 
in the Country Gore. Her father made some objection to the 
marriage on account of the distance the place was situated from 
the meeting-house, four or five miles ; but James told him he had 
two horses, and she would have no trouble in going to meeting. 

♦Thomas' (Jleason was son of Thomas of Sudbury, and grandson of Thomas 
of Walertown and Charlcstown. 



176 

This is explained by the fact that there was then, 1774, no open 
road to the place, arid the usual mode of travel was by foot or on 
horseback. Once on returning home from a visit to her friends 
she was thrown from her horse, startled by the sudden assault of 
a yelping dog, and in consequence suffered the dislocation of one 
hip, which, not being properly set, caused her to hobble on 
crutches the remainder of her life. This was afterwards aggra- 
vated by being thrown out of the old "one horse shay" returning 
from a visit to her only sis., Sarah, w. of Josiah Waite of Royal- 
ston, caused by the horse stumbling in descending a hill in Lei- 
cester. Her bro., Ezra Lovell, was called the strongest man in 
"these parts," and it was his yearly pastime to place the barrels 
of cider in the cellar upon the third tier, simply lifting them by the 
chimes. He once lifted a weight of 900 pounds. The following 
is characteristic of one who was occasionally called to attend 
the family in his official capacity as physician, whose w. was a 
cousin of the w. of Samuel Meriam : 

Oxford May 3^'* 1815 

This may Certify that the Subscriber has given the kine pock 

Disease to Mrs. Eunice Meriam to Samuel and to Nancy Meriam 

her Children, and do promise should they, or either of them ever 

have the small pox to pay all expenses of their having said Disease 

Witness my hand Delano Pierce . 

James^ was enrolled a soldier in the Revolution, as the follow- 
ing documents show ;, 

Oxford Sept"" the 23 1777 this 
may sartfy that I have Rec''. By the [hand] of Sert. James Meriam 
fifteen Pound as a fine for Refusen to go into the Contaniel Sarvis 
in the Room & Steed of his father 

Reed by me 

John Town cap 

To Sert. James Meriam your forth with Required to notify & 
warne Capt Isaac hertwell to Sarve in the Contanentel armey 
Eight months or get Sum Good abele Bodied man in his Room 
& Stid or pay Fifteen Pounds in twenty four ours by Spchel orders 
from Corte Oxford Sept the 22 : 1777 John Town Capt 



177 

Worcester July 7"', 1779 
Personally appeared James Meriam Clerk of the Second Militia 
Company in Oxford and made solemn oath that he would hon- 
estly faithfully is: Imparshally Elxecute the several Duties of his 
S'" office according to the best of skill and abilities 

before me Jacob Davis Jus. Peace 

Oxford Aug 29"' 1 781 Then Reed of M"" James Meriam 
Ninety Pounds in Stock and Money in full for a Negro Man to 
go into the army and this is to Discharge him from all Demands 
I have on S** Meriam and Clap as witness my hand 

Edwd R Campbell 

Leicester Aug 30"" 1781 this day recvd one man for the town 
of Oxford to Sarve in the army for three years for the clase whear 
of Mr James Meriam is chear man 

Seth Wash burn Superint 

He was one of the original members of the " Oxford Theft 
Detecting Society," formed in 1791. His eldest s., Jarnes^, m. 
ist, Anna", dau. of Jotham" Meriam, l)y whom he had one ch., 
Adolphus** Meriam. He m. 2d, Zaruia Rich of Milford, N. Y., 
where he resided some years and then moved to Fort Wayne, 
Ind., where he d., and near where some of his descendants still 
live. Thomas', s. of James*', m. Lucy, dau. of Deacon Isaac 
Stone of Ward, where he settled, but in his last years lived with 
his only ch., Isaac S.^ Meriam, at one time a real estate broker 
in Worcester. He rose to the rank of major in the militia ; was 
a justice of the peace ; and represented Auburn in the Legislature 
in 1843. 

Samuel', s. of James'', m. Nancy 'I'yler*, dau. of John^ Nichols 
of Charlton, and settled on the old homestead at Oxford North 
Gore. Her gt.-gr.-father, John^ Nichols, came from Ireland at 
the age of 17, probably about 1727, as he d. Jan. 10, 1801, aged 
91 ; and bought a large tract of land in Oxford and what is now 
the south part of Charlton. He m. Hannah, dau. of Capt. Jona- 
than Tucker, Sen., of Charlton, by whom he had two ch., John''^ 
and Hannah^, His will is dated May 12, i 79S, and proved March 

23 



178 

3, i8oi. Lucretia (Putnam) Nichols, mother of Nancy T., was 
the dau. of Dea. Amos Putnam of Sutton and Worcester, bro. of 
Gen. Rufus, the pioneer in the settlement of the Western Reserve, 
Ohio ; and their father, Dea. Elisha, was a cousin of Gen. Israel 
Putnam. Dea. Amos lived at what is now Jamesville, where one 
of the gates on the old Worcester and Stafford Turnpike was 
located, and may have been its first keeper, although he has not 
been given the credit of it. When 3 years old, Nancy fell into 
the well, still in use, at the old homestead of her father, but was 
rescued without injury. Of the ten children born to SamueF and 
Nancy but four remain, the writer being the firstborn, now (Sept. 
6, 1887) ii^ the 70th year of his age. April 2, 1867, they cele- 
brated their golden wedding, at which were present the original 
groomsman and bridesmaid, Dea. Seth Daniels and wife of Oxford, 
parents of George F. Daniels who is engaged in writing the town 
history. 

Nancy'', youngest ch. of James^, b. Dec. 30, 1791, remained 
single and d. Nov. 5, 1822. At the age of 18 she became hope- 
fully converted, and ever after proved her devotion to the cause 
she had espoused. She held frequent correspondence with her 
numerous friends, of which she made and preserved copies, and 
kept a diary from 181 1 to near the close of her life, in which she 
recorded not only her own thoughts and feelings, but the scrij^ture 
texts, heads of discourses, and sometimes large portions of the 
sermons to which she was privileged to listen, which she wrote 
from memory, not taking any notes at the time of delivery. 
These are valuable mementoes of those early days, and those old- 
time pastors. She was active in all benevolent works of the time 
in which she lived, as the following extracts from her diary prove : 

May jth, i8ig. — The Oxford Female Cent Society formed. 
Fifty-six members. The meeting introduced by prayer and ex- 
hortation by the Reverend Mr. B.[Batchelor] The Society 
unanimously adopted a constitution, chose their officers and a 
committee to appropriate their bounty. We have succeeded 
beyond my most sanguine expectations in the formation of this 
Society. 



179 

Then follows a prayer for God's blessing upon their efforts. 
She was chosen secretary of this Society, and made and preserved 
annual reports of their doings, copies of which, and of the con- 
stitution I have in her handwriting. 

May I2th. — Attended a female prayer meeting at Mrs. P.'s. 
The first I believe ever held in this town. It was ]:)roposed that 
the members of the Female Cent Society and the sisters of the 
church who do not belong to this Society, meet monthly for 
prayer, reading and religious conversation. I returned much 
refreshed in spirit. 

May 30th. — Just returned from the Sabbath School. I have 
this day commenced a new and most important work. I feel 
incompetent for the task. 

This school was in the Gore District, which she was instrumen- 
tal in forming, there being another at the center of the town in 
which she also sometimes assisted. After her death there was 
some talk of having her biography written, but those most com- 
petent for the task had either passed away or were not approached 
in regard to it. It was a time when many such biographies were 
i:ublished to stimulate the minds of the young, and fiction was 
utterly discarded. 

Martha^, dau. of Joshua^, b. June 30, i 752, m. Asa Conant Sen.,* 
and settled in Warwick, where she d. March 12, 181 2, and he d. 
Feb. 21. 1832. On the question of confining Rev. Mr. Hedge he 
voted no. Of their nine ch., Susannah', b. May 29, 1783, m, 
James, s. of Jonathan and Mary (Pierce) Blake of Dorchester and 
W'arwick. He was a farmer and first settled in Warwick, then 
lived two or three years in Dorchester, returned to Warwick in 
1 8 10, moved to Gill in 18 16, lived some years in Vermont, and 
finally returned to Warwick about 1S36, where he d. Oct. i, 1847. 
He was deacon of the Unitarian Church at Warwick from 1838 
till his death. Patty\ dau. of Asa and Martha Conant, b. Oct. 
23, 1786, m. Hon. Jonathan Pjlake, bro. of James, b. in Dorches- 
ter May 29, 1 780. Of himself he says, in a letter to Samuel 
Blake : " I lived one year in Dorchester, and then moved to 

* .\ native of Dudley. 



i8o 



Warwick in Franklin County, and lived there over 73 years ; and 
then moved to Brattleboro', Vt. Was Town Clerk of Warwick 
15 years, served as Selectman, Overseer of the Poor and Assessor 
9 years, was an active Justice of the Peace 42 years, Land Sur- 
veyor and Conveyancer 50 years, Representative to General Court 
2 years, Senator of Mass. 2 years, County Commissioner in Frank- 
lin County 9 years, and Chairman of the Board 3 years, trained 
as a common soldier in the Militia 17 years, Superintendent of 
Sunday School 20 years, Agent, Clerk, one of the Directors, and 
President of the 'Franklin Glass Factory Company' 8 years, 
wrote the History of Warwick, and many other fugitive pieces in 
prose and verse, was a member of the Convention of 1820 to 
revise the Constitution of Mass., a member of the Unitarian 
Church in Warwick over 50 years, and a humble private citizen 
through life." The descendants of these two Blake families are 
very numerous. 

Asa^, youngest ch. of Joshua^ b. Oct. 20, 1754, m. Mary, dau. 
of Luke and Lydia (Situate) Lincoln of Leicester, a descendant 
of Gen. Lincoln of Revolutionary fame. He became a distin- 
guished physician, and settled in New Salem, where he d. May 7, 
1795. Several of their daus. became teachers, not only in New 
Salem and towns in that vicinity, but in Boston and Cambridge. 
Their s., Joshua Lincoln"' Meriam, b. April 6, 1783, m. Lucy 
(Hatstat) Meriam, wirl. and 2d w. of William", gr.-s. of Ebenezer^ 
Meriam. She was dau. of George Hatstat, a Hessian soldier in 
the Revolution. She was b. Jan. 7, 1782, and d. in Petersham at 
the house of Sanford B. Cook, who m. her gr.-dau., Jan. 9, 18S0, 
aged 98 years, 2 days. Joshua Lincoln''' d. Feb. 7, 1869, aged 85 
years, 10 months. 

In this paper I must necessarily pass by many worthy of hon- 
orable mention, but cannot close without returning thanks to the 
large number of correspondents who have so greatly aided me in 
collecting the great amount of material in my possession, which I 
hope some day to see woven into a family history ; and I earnestly 
request all who have in their possession facts that will in any way 
aid in making such a history complete, to communicate them to me. 



i8i 

Mr. Meriam presented to the Society the ancient 
panel on which is painted a view of Boston in the 
early time, mentioned in his paper. Thanks were 
voted for the gift. 

The meeting was adjourned to the evening of 
Tuesday, September 13th. 



Adjourned meeting, Tuesday evening, September 
13th. 

Present : Messrs. Abbot, Crane, Hosmer, Gould, 
Dickinson, Harlow, Houghton, Harrington, Lee, 
J. A. Howland, Hubbard, Jackson, C. Jillson, Wall, 
Lyford, Marvin, Mellen, Meriam, Parker, Perkins, 
Phillips, ¥. P. Rice, H. M. Smith, Staples, members; 
and Rev. Dr. E. Cutler, Rev. Henry Hague, C. F. 
Adams, F. L. Mellen, C. A. Perkins, F. Whipple 
and others, visitors. — 38. 

The following paper was read by Henry L. Parker, 
Esq. 



l82 



THE 



ANGLICAN CHURCH IN THE COLONIES. 



BY HENRY L. PARKER. 



The historian Uke the poet is born, not made. The two indis- 
pensable qualities he should possess, the critical faculty and a 
judicial mind, are the gifts of nature rather than the acquirements 
of study and art. But without these two qualities the writer of 
history becomes the writer of fiction, and perpetuates falsehoods 
under the semblance of truth. 

The early historians of Massachusetts lacked the judicial mind, 
for they were writers of contemporaneous history, and partizans 
from necessity ; while those who followed them lacked the 
opportunity to exercise the critical faculty had they possessed it, 
on account of the dispersion of material, and the consequent 
inextricable confusion of dates. It is but little more than thirty 
years since the records of the Massachusetts Colony were collected 
in proper shape and published by order of the General Court. 

For these reasons many erroneous statements have passed 
current as historical facts for more than two hundred years. It 
is only within the present generation that they have been chal- 
lenged and refuted. But the result of the labors of those inves- 
tigators who have sifted the materials which have been collected 
within the present generation has not been as a whole to the 
disadvantage of the Puritans. 

The writers of the present day speak in plainer language how- 
ever. They call things by their right names. They drop the 
tone of indiscriminate praise and fulsome eulogy, and find apology 
unnecessary. The Puritans were austere, bigoted, and it is hard 



1 83 

to believe that they were not vindictive, — they were intolerant. 
Granted that they were. Better than any other class of men that 
ever lived they could afford to be. They can stand upon their 
merits as for more than two centuries they have stood. They 
need no apotheosis — no apology. 

The Bible offers no apology for King David. Stained with 
crime as he was, save in the matter of Uriah the Hittite, he was 
still "a man after God's own heart." And so the Puritans, with 
all their shortcomings, were none the less the chosen people of 
God, working out at His behest, through pain and hardship and 
martyrdoms and blood, a mighty problem. As the foothills of 
the Alps tend by contra^5t to throw into stronger relief the lofty 
domes that rise from their midst, so the faults of the Puritans 
serve only to make more conspicuous the grand residuiim of 
their character. 

It is hardly necessary to add that it is not my purpose in what 
I may say to-night, to make any assault upon these men — to cast 
anv slurs upon them. I seek no quarrel with them, as did not 
the Anglican Church, but yielded rather to the constituted 
authorities as directed in the thirty-nine articles. Article xxxvii. 
provides that "the i)0wer of the civil magistrate extendeth to all 
men as well Clergy as Laity in all things temporal. . . . And we 
hold it t ) be the duty of all men who are professors of the Gospel 
to pay respectful obedience to the Civil Authority." My only 
object in presenting this paper is to defend the Anglican Church 
and its members frorn the aspersion that they sought to break up 
or interfere with the civil or religious government which the 
Puritans had founded, or that they sought or desired anything 
farther than the enjoyment by themselves and in their own way, 
of their own service and forms of worship. And furthermore, 
that they are not to be classed with Roger Williams and the 
Anabaptists and the Quakers, as intruders and dissentients. 

If, as has been facetiously said, the Puritans had a theological 
fee simple as well as fee simple in the land, the members of the 
Anglican Church were not trespassers, but joint tenants rather. 
They were not wolves in the fold, but a part of the flock. 



1 84 

They were rightly here. Some were already here as owners and 
occupants of the soil. Others came with Endicott and Winthrop, 
and they came as original patentees and members of the Council, 
and they came in good faith. They were simply outnumbered. 
That was all. 

In the discussion of the subject before us to-night — "The 
attitude of the Colonies towards the Anglican Church, and the 
relations of the one to and with the other" — a good deal of mis- 
apprehension may be avoided by first tracing briefly the origin 
and growth of the different shades of religious opinion occasioned 
by the Reformation, and defining the terms by which these shades 
of opinion were known. The Pilgrims were not Puritans, for 
while the former were Separatists or Independents, the latter 
were believers in a national church, and claimed to be members 
of the Church of England. But there was among the Puritans 
themselves almost as wide a distinction. Some of them were 
dissenters to the doctrine of the Church, some to the dis- 
cipline, and some to both ; while others conformed, some to 
the one, some to the other, and some to both. 

When Henry VIII. proclaimed himself the head of the English 
Church, it was intended simply as an assertion of ecclesiastical 
independence of Rome. It was not a protest against any of the 
doctrines or practices of the Roman Church. It was not a denial 
of its orthodoxy or its claims to be a divine institution. It was 
a denial of the sovereignty of the Roman Pontiff, not of apostolic 
succession. The Anglican Bishops claimed ecclesiastical equality 
with the Pope. Henry VIII. lived and died a devout believer in 
all the essential doctrines of the Church of Rome. Nor did he 
consciously or intentionally open the questions which led to the 
Reformation, for the purpose of introducing the theories of the 
Continental reformers. Nevertheless the Act of Supremacy was 
the entering wedge for the introduction of such Protestant doc- 
trine. 

Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, encouraged the growth 
of the reformed doctrine. He allowed clergymen to hold benefices 
without ordination by a bishop. He revised the liturgy, it is said 



i8! 



at the suggestion of Calvin, which resulted in the book known as 
King Edward's Service Book. Up to the time when Mary 
ascended the throne, there had been no separation, no non-con- 
formity. But the five years of Mary's reign were retrogressive. 
The Pope was re-acknowledged, the diffusion of knowledge 
among the people was stopped, the revised liturgy was super- 
seded, and the Romish ritual and ceremonial again introduced. 
And the persecution to which those were subjected who refused 
to submit to the new order of things, drove many into exile on 
the Continent. 

It was among these refugees on the Continent that the first 
controversy arose on the subject of King Edward's Prayer Book, 
owing largely no doubt to the influence of the reformers among 
whom they sojourned. This controversy was afterwards trans- 
ferred to England in the time of Elizabeth, and gave rise to the 
two parties known as Puritans and Court Reformers, known later 
as Conformists and Non-conformists, and still later as High 
Church and Low Church. These rival parties in the Church strove 
for the establishment of a ritual and ceremonial in accordance 
with their respective views. 

The Puritan party strove to incorporate into the doctrine of 
the Church the views of Calvin, especially the doctrine of pre- 
destination ; and to abolish the use of vestments, the cross, and 
bowings and genuflections in the service, as savoring of popery. 
This the Church constantly resisted. Matthew Arnold says : 

" Everybody knows how far non-conformity is due to the Church of Eng- 
land's rigor in imposing an explicit declaration of adherence to her formu- 
laries. But only a few, who have searched out the matter, know how far 
non-conformity is due, also, to the Church of England's invincible reluctance 
to narrow her large and loose formularies to the strict Calvinistic sense dear 
to Puritanism. Vet this is what the record of conferences shows at least as 
signally as it shows the domineering spirit of the High Church clergy. There 
is a very chain of testimonies to show us from Elizabeth's reign to Charles 
the Second's, Calvinism as a power both within and without the Church of 
England, trying to get decisive command of her formularies; and the Church 
of England, with the instinct of a body meant to live and grow, and averse 
to fetter and engage its future, steadily resisting." 

24 



i86 



Now this controversy went on with vicissitudes of fortune 
through the reign of EHzabeth, and down to the date of the 
settlement of the Massachusetts Colony. Acts of Uniformity 
were passed, to which some of the Puritan clergy conformed. 
Others refused conformity in ritual or discipline, and some 
abandoned the clerical calling. But up to the date of the sailing 
of the Arbella, the Puritan party, with the exception of about 
seven years under Bancroft, Bishop of London, and one year 
under Archbishop Laud, succeeded in avoiding the observance 
of the most obnoxious ceremonies without much trouble. 

Meanwhile, in 1583, the sect known as Brownists, from its 
founder, Robert Brown, originated. Brown himself in 1589 be- 
came again reconciled to the Church of England, but the sect 
continued to llourish, and were known as Separatists or Inde- 
pendents, of whom Cromwell afterwards became the head. A 
party of these, with John Robinson * as pastor, went to Leyden, 
where they remained until tliey landed at Plymouth in 1620. As 
contra-distinguished from tiie settlers at Massachusetts Bay they 
were known as Pilgrims. 

So that in 1630, when Winthrop and his company landed, the 
religious proclivities of the English-speaking world, according to 
an excellent authority on our early Colonial History,! might be 
classed as follows : 



* Robinson himself, late in life, uttered these words, which would seem to 
indicate reconciliation with the Church of England, or at any rate that his 
views had greatly moderated : " For myself thus I believe w ith my heart 
and profess with my tongue and have before the world that I have one and 
the same faith hope spirit baptism and Lord which I had in the Church of 
England and none other; that I esteem so many in that church of what 
state or order soever as are truly partakers of that faith (as I account manv 
thousands to be) for my Christian brethren and myself a fellow member v\ ith 
them of that one mystical body of Christ scattered far and wide throughout 
the world." — I'oio/g^s Chronicles, p. 40Q. 

t " Brief Review of the History of the Puritans and Separatists from the 
Church of England." By A. C. Goodell. Hist. Coll., Essex hist. 



i87 

In the Church of England. 

I St. Conforming Puritans in England. 

Non-conforming Puritans in England. 

2nd. The High Church Party. 

3rd. Massachusetts Non-conformists. 
Out of the Church of England. 

1st. The Plymouth Separatists or Semi-separatists. 

2nd, The Leyden Separatists or Semi-separatists. 

3rd. The Rrownists at Amsterdam. 

4th. The old Separatists — a few in England. 

These all might be resolved into three general classes : — The 
High Church Party, the Low Church Party, and the Separatists 
or Independents. 

With the Plymouth Colony this discussion will have little to do. 
The Intlependents from Robinson and PJradford to Cromwell and 
Milton, were broad and tolerant. The administration of the 
Plymouth Colony was for the most part mild and just. The 
Pilgrims said what they meant and meant what they said. They 
minded their own affairs and desired the rest of the world to mind 
theirs. It is not on record that they scourged delicate women 
in the public streets, or hung Quakers, or sold the children of 
captive Indians into slavery. 

How much of this can be said of the Colonists of Massachusetts 
Ray? Under what circumstances did they come here? What 
was their purpose? \Vas it for the purpose avowed by the Pil- 
grims, to worship God according to the dictates of their own con- 
science ? To found a new church ? The Charter says the main 
end of their coming is the conversion of the Indians, in these 
words : 

"To wyne and incite the natives of the country to the knowledge and 
obedience of the onlie true (]od and Savior of mankind and the Christian 
Faylh, wliich is our royall intention and tlie adventurers free profession is 
the priiicipall ende of this plantation." 

At a meeting of Assistants April 8th, 1629, in the proposition 
accepted in writing for the employment of the Rev. Francis 



i88 

Higginson and Rev. Samuel Skelton as ministers, there is this 
clause : 

" — Whereby to their uttermost to further the maine end of this plantation, 
being by the assistance of Almighty God the conversion of the salvages." 

In the Company's first general letter of instructions to Endicott 
and his council (who it will be remembered preceded Winthrop 
by nearly two years), there is this passage : 

"And for that the propagating of the gospel is the thing we do profess 
above all to be our aim in settling this Plantation." 

And still later Gov. Cradock in his letter to Endicott says : 

"And we trust you will not be unmindful of the main end of our Planta- 
tion by endeavoring to bring the Indians to a knowledge of the gospel." 

How was this avowed purpose carried out ? If we date from 
the Plymouth Colony settlement, nearly a whole generation 
passed before any beginning was made. Meanwhile the Indian 
was made to feel the power and superiority of the white man. 
They kept them at a distance, acquired enough of their language 
for the purpose of trade and barter, but made them amenable to 
the white man's laws for theft, polygamy, and murder, and waged 
war upon them for defending what they believed to be their 
natural rights. In the pequot war of 1637 the Colonists seemed 
almost bent on extermination, thinking they were doing God's 
service. And of the male captives some were carried to the West 
Indies and sold as slaves, while others were distributed among 
the Colonists as bond servants. When the Colonists were at last 
stirred to take some action in furtherance of this main end of 
their coming, it was evidently occasioned by the complaints and 
censures of their friends in England. Certain perfunctory orders 
were then passed by the Massachusetts Court, and at about this 
time Eliot, Mayhew and Gookin began their labors, but they met 
with but little aid or sympathy from the Colonists. The Puritans 
soon grew to regard the Indians as vermin and pests to be ex- 
terminated. Cotton Mather said of them: "These doleful 
creatures are the veriest ruins of mankind. One might see 
among them what a hard master the Devil is, to the most devoted 



i89 

of his vassals." Rev. Solomon Stebbins writes to Gov. Dudley 
proposing that " they may be put into ye way to hunt ye Indians 
with dogs as they doe bears." 

So much for the avowed purpose of the Colonists in coming, 
and the manner in which it was carried out. 

Did they intend at the outset a separation from the Church of 
England ? Not unless their own language belies them. When 
on board the Arbella and detained by unfavorable winds, a fare- 
well letter was written to their friends, entitled "The Humble 
Request of his Majesty's Loyall Subjects, the Governor and the 
Company late gone for New England ; to the rest of their breth- 
ren in and of the Church of England ; for the obtaining of their 
Prayers, and the removal of suspicions and misconstruction of 
their Intentions." 

I wish I could give the whole letter, but I must confine myself 
to this extract : 

"And howsoever vour charity mav have met with some occasion of dis- 
couragement through the inisreport of our intentions, or through the dis- 
affection or indiscretion of some of us or rather amongst us (for we are not 
of those that dream of perfection in this world) yet we desire you would be 
pleased to take notice of the principals and body of our Company as those 
who esteem it our honor to call the Church of England, from whence we 
rise, our dear mother; and cannot part from our native Country where she 
specially resi leth. without much sadness of heart, and many tears in our 
eyes ever acknow ledging that such hope and part as we have obtained in the 
common salvation we have received in her bosom, and sucked it from her 
breasts. We leave it not therefore as loathing that milk wherewith we were 
nourished there; but blessing G(^d for the parentage and education, as 
members of the same liody, shall always rejoice in her good, and unfeignedly 
grieve for any sorrow that shall ever betide her and while we have breath 
sincerely desire and endeavor the continuance and abundance of her welfare 
with the enlargement of her bounds in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ." 

This letter is dated Aj^ril yth, 1630, and is signed by Gov. 
Winthrop and his associates. John White, author of the Planter's 
Plea, who has been called the " Father of the Massachusetts Col- 
ony" and the "Patriarch of New England," cites this letter in 
answer to the charge that "faction and separatism" was secretly 



190 

harbored by those projecting the settlement of the Massachusetts 
Bay Colony, and that it was intended as a "nursery of faction 
and rebellion, disclaiming and renouncing the Church as Anti- 
Christ"; and says, "Some variation from the formes and cus- 
tomes of our Church" might be expected, but denies that the 
Colonists were projecting this settlement for a nursery of schis- 
maticks ; " — that at least three out of four of the planters had 
lived in a constant course of conformity unto our church govern- 
ment and orders." "Mr. John Winthrop had been every way 
regular and conformable in the whole course of his practice." 
"Neither all nor the greatest part of the ministers are unconform- 
able." 

Notwithstanding these protestations we find within an incred- 
ibly short time after landing at Salem, a complete change of sen- 
timent. Within fifteen days Rev. George Phillips, one of the 
signers of the letter dated from the Arbella, and who had acted 
as chaplain on the voyage over, privately told Dr. Fuller, the 
physician from Plymouth summoned to attend the sick among 
the new comers, that " if they will have him stand minister by 
that calling which he received from the prelates in England he 
will leave them." * 

Roger Williams in 1630-31 refused to join with the congrega- 
tion at Boston " because they would not make a public declaration 
of tlieir repentance for having communion with the churches of 
England while they lived there." When on the 27th of August 
John Wilson was chosen teacher Gov. Winthrop says in his Jour- 
nal : "We used imposition of hands, but with this protestation by 
all that it was only as a sign of election and confirmation, not of 
any intent that Mr. Wilson should renounce his ministry he re- 
ceived in England." And within six weeks after landing, the 
Governor, Deputy-Governor, Isaac Johnson, and John Wilson, 

* Savage says in relation to this language attributed to Rev. George Phillips : 
"This was not the spirit of the first settlers of Massachusetts until they had 
lived some years in the wilderness"; and he further adds, "and I imagine 
Phillips was overcome by the persuasion of friends to postpone the scruple 
he had communicated to the Plvmouth Colonist." 



I 



191 

the minister, organized in Charlestown a Separatist Non-conform- 
ing congregation or churcli. 

There has been much controversy as to the occasion of this 
sudden change of base. The causes that led to it will probably 
never be satisfactorily determined. But from this time there 
began and continued for almost half a century, until at least the 
forfeiture of their charter, the remarkable rule of the Puritans. 
By their charter the Colony was nothing more nor less than a 
trading company like the East India Company. Its franchise 
was like that of any corporation organized for trade. Its govern- 
ing body could act only within the limits of England. All their 
regulations for the government of the country must be similar to 
the laws and ordinances of municipal bodies in England, and 
subject to appeal and judicial supervision. One of the first acts 
of the Colonists was to remove their charter to America and 
establish the governing body here. And that governing body 
was a theocracy pure and simple. The clergy was the ruling 
power — the power behind the throne. The administration of all 
its affairs was placed upon an ecclesiastical basis. The town 
meeting was the church meeting, at which none but church 
members could vote. The right of appeal to Parliament was 
denied ; and supervision was exercised by the authorities over 
the commonest and minutest affairs of life. Fines were imposed 
for spending time unprofitably, for non-attendance at church, for 
using tobacco, for denying the Scriptures to be the word of God. 
For censure of the Church or Government or disrespect of the 
magistrates, corporal punishments were inflicted, such as whip- 
ping, standing in the pillory, and cropping of the ears. The spirit 
of the times found good expression in the famous charge of the 
Sessions Justice: "Gentlemen of the Grand Jury, you are re- 
quired by your oath to see to it that the several towns in the 
County be provided according to law with 'pounds and school- 
masters, whipping posts and ministers.' " 

But the distinguishing feature of Puritan rule was religious 
intolerance. The cruel scourgings, imprisonments, and mutila- 
tions inflicted upon the Antinomians, the Anabaptists, and 



192 

Quakers, were inflicted as penalties for the indulgence and 
expression of religious opinion, and no impartial and patient 
investigator who will seek the fountain head of truth and search 
the original records, can reach any other conclusion. At the 
conclusion of the trial of Anne Hutchinson, Coddington stood up 
and said : " Here is no law of God that she hath broken, nor any 
law of the Country that she hath broke, and therefore deserves 
no censure ; and if she say that the elders preach as the apostles 
did, why they preached a covenant of grace and what wrong is 
that to them . . . therefore I pray consider what you do for here 
is no law of God or man broken." 

Among the unpublished documents on file at the State House 
in Boston are the minutes of the trials of forty Quakers at the 
Court of Assistants in Boston. Of these a few are for alleged 
misdemeanors such as entering church with their hats on, and 
twenty-six of them (all but fourteen) are on trial for the expres- 
sion of religious opinion, and that expression probably drawn 
from them by the process of examination. 

It would be foreign to this discussion to enter at any greater 
length upon the inhumanities exercised towards these religious 
sects — 

"The tale is one of an evil time, 
When souls were fettered, and thought a crime; 
When heresy's whisper above its breath 
Met shameful scourging, bonds and death." 

I have referred to it only for the purposes of illustration. 

Mark the difference all this while between the Plymouth and 
Massachusetts Bay Colony. At Plymouth the death penalty was 
never inflicted except for murder. It does not appear that any 
Quaker was ever punished by the Plymouth Colonists in any 
manner or form. Judge William Brigham is authority for the 
statement in an address published by the Massachusetts Historical 
Society, "that no Quaker was ever injured in a hair of his head 
in the Plymouth Colony." No person was ever tried there for 
witchcraft ; and they had but little if any trouble with dissenters 
from their own faith. Their ostracism was extended chiefly to 



193 

members of the legal profession. It was not till about 1671 that 
parties were allowed to employ attorneys to conduct causes for 
them, and then only on the express condition that they should do 
nothing "to deceive the Court or darken the case." 

But the Puritans not only practiced intolerance ; they claimed 
it as a virtue. Ward, the author of "The Simple Cobbler of 
Agawam," calls toleration " room for hell above ground " ; and " to 
authorize an untruth by a toleration of State is to build a sconce 
against the walls of Heaven to batter God out of his chair." 
President Oakes of Harvard University said in an election ser- 
mon : " I look upon toleration as the first born of all abominations." 
At the death of Ciov. Dudley the following lines were found in 
his pocket : 

" r,et men of God in Courts and Churches watch 
O'er such as do a Toleration hatch, 
Lest that 111 Egg bring forth a Cockatrice 
To poison all with heresie and vice." 

And another writer adds : " He that is willing to toler-ate will for 
a need hang God's Bible at the Devil's girdle." 

It is remarkable that the treatment received from the Puritans 
by those conforming and adhering to the Church of England, 
should have received so little notice from historians. This may 
perhaps be accounted for from the fact that no such extreme 
penalties were visited upon them as in the case of the Anabaptist 
and Quaker recusants ; and this simply for the reason that as good 
churchmen they yielded to the constituted authorities. Had they 
been as stubborn and persistent as the Quakers, there is little 
doubt they would have met the Quakers' fate. 

The feeling manifested towards the Browns and towards the 
earlier settlers, who at the time of their arrival were in occupancy 
at Charlestown, Boston and vicinity, such as Rev. William Blaxton 
or Blackstone, Thomas Morton,* Samuel Maverick and others, 

*"Tn September, 1630, the following decree was passed: "That Thomas 
Morton of Mount Wollaston, shall presently be set in the bilboes and after 
sent prisoner into England by the ship called the 'Gift' now returning 

25 



194 

was most bitter and acrimonious. In the Massachusetts Bay 
Company's records, under date of Sept. 19, 1629, may be found 
the following entry : 

"At this Court were read letters from Capt. Endicott and others from New 
England; and whereas a difference hath fallen out betwixt the Gov. there 
and Mr. John and Mr. Samuel Brown it was agreed by the Court that for the 



thither; that all his goods shall be seized upon to defray the charge of his 
transportation, payment of his debts, and to give satisfaction to the Indians 
for a canoe he unjustly took away from them; and that his house after that 
his goods are taken out shall be burnt down to the ground in the sight of 
the Indians for their satisfaction for many wrongs he hath done them from 
lime to time." 

This decree was carried out. Samuel Maverick in a letter to the Earl of 
Clarendon, says: "One Mr. Morton a gen' of good qualitie vpon p'tence 
that he had shott an Indian wittingly w<^'i was indeede but accidentally and 
no hurt done, they sentenced him to be sent for England prisoner as one who 
had a designe to sett the Indians at variance w'^ vs, they farther ordered as 
he was to saile in sight of his house that it should be fired, he refusinge to 
goe into the shipp as havinge no business there was hoisted by a tackle, and 
neare starved in the passage. No thinge was said to him heare; in the tyme 
of his abode heare he wrote a booke entitled New Canan, a good description 
of the Cuntery as then it was, only in the end of it he pinched too closely 
on some in authoritie there for v/'^^ some yeares after cominge ouer to look 
after his land for w'^^ he had a patent many yeares before, he found his land 
disposed of and made a towneship and himselfe shortly after apprehended 
put into the gaole w"^ out fire or beddinge, no bayle to be taken, where he 
remained a very cold winter, nothing laid to his charge but the writing of 
this booke \v<^^ he confessed not, nor could they proue. He died shortly 
after and as he said, and may well be supposed on his hard vsage in prison." 

Charles Francis Adams, Jr., says: "These were high-handed acts of un- 
mistakable oppression. The probabilities in the case would seem to be that 
the Massachusetts magistrates had made up their minds in advance to drive 
this man out of Massachusetts." 

De Costa says: "Morton had a patent for his land; he violated no law; 
he lived apart by himself attending to his own interests; yet being an enemy 
to dissent, a successful trader, and an advocate of common prayer, it was 
decreed that he must not be tolerated. What to some may appear the more 
singular is the fact that they objected not only to his use of Common Prayer, 
but to the Bible which the leaders among the Non-conformists in New Eng- 
land did not regard with the favor now taken for granted." 



195 

determination of those differences Mr. John and Mr. Samuel Brown might 
choose any three or four of the Company on their behalf to heare the said 
differences the Company choosing as many." 

The differences here alluded to arose because a few of the 
Colonists at Salem under the leadership of John and Samuel 
Brown, preferring the old forms of service to which they had been 
accustomed, to the new order of things, had gathered themselves 
together to hold the "common prayer worship." This was the 
head and front of their offending, and for this they were pro- 
nounced guilty of stirring up sedition and faction, and were sent 
back to England, their letters to their friends in England mean- 
while having been intercepted and read. Yet these two men 
were among the first patentees, both were members of the 
Colonial Council, and in the language of the Puritan authorities, 
" men of party and post in the place." In the first general letter 
of the Governor and Deputies of the New England Company to 
the settlers at Salem under Endicott they are specially com- 
mended in these words : 

"Two Brethren of our Company : Mr John and Mr Sam: Browne, who 
though they bee noe adventurers in the general stock, yett are they men wee 
doe much respect, being fully persuaded of their sincere affeccions to the 
good of o"" plantacion. The one, Mr John Browne, is sworne an Assistant 
here, and by vs chosen one of the Councell there — a man experienced in the 
lawes of o'' kingdome, and such an one as wee are perswaded will worthylie 
deserve yo"" favor and furtherance w<"'' we desire he may haue, and that in 
the first devision of land there may be alloted to either of them 200 acres." 

Banished thus as " factious and evil-conditioned," they went back 
to England, having been at Salem but five or six weeks, and 
leaving their goods and lands behind them. Of course the 
expenses of their outfit, voyage, and settlement, were a total loss. 
They ap])lied for redress in England, but it does not appear that 
any compensation was ever awarded them. 

Rev. Francis Bright who came over in Winthrop's company, 
and who Hubbard says was "a Godly minister," was also sent 
back to England for favoring Episcopacy. 

When Boston was settled by Winthrop and his company, three 
men of the same faith were in occupation of the three peninsulas 



196 

now covered by that city — Thomas Walford at Charlestown, Rev, 
William Blaxton at Boston, and Samuel Maverick at what was 
then known as Noddle's Island, now East Boston. The claim of 
Blaxton to the territory he occupied was recognized, and he was 
paid thirty pounds, with which, and his books and a herd of 
cattle, he left the Bostonians behind and penetrated further into 
the wilderness saying, " I came from England because I did not 
like the /ori/-h\shops ; but I cannot join with you because I would 
not be under the lord-brethren." But with Thomas Walford the 
proceedings were more summary. He was fined 40 shillings and 
banished with his wife from the " Pattent," for as the records say, 
"his contempt of authority and confrontinge officers" &c. 

Samuel Maverick, although a strong, uncompromising church- 
man, was left for a while undisturbed, but was dealt with later. 
Maverick was one of the most genial of men, kind-hearted, hos- 
pitable. When Winlhrop and his company came to Boston from 
Salem on foot, on their tour of exploration for the site of a settle- 
ment, they were entertained at Maverick's house. Joslyn says : " I 
went a shore upon Noddle's Island to Mr Samuel Maverick . . . 
the only hospitable man in the whole countrey." Johnson says of 
him : "A man of a very loving and courteous behavior . . . very 
ready to entertaine strangers." Savage says : " He was a gentle- 
man of good estate." Winthrop says he was "worthy of a per- 
petual remembrance." It is recorded of him that when the 
Indians were dying of small-pox, his wife and servants went daily 
to them, ministered to their necessities, buried their dead, and 
took home many of their children. Notwithstanding all this he 
was excluded from all offices of any importance, was forced to 
attend and taxed to support a church which would not baptise 
his children, and fell into such suspicion that in 1635 he was 
ordered to remove to Boston and fcjrbidden to entertain strangers 
for more than one night without leave of a magistrate. 

In 1646 Maverick with several others presented to the General 
Court a petition setting forth the grievances they were suffering, 
and praying for leave to establish an Episcopalian form of worship. 
The petitioners were William Vassall, Dr. Rol)ert Childe, Thomas 



197 

Fowle, Thomas Burton, David Yale, John Smith, John Dand, and 
Samuel Maverick. The Court considered the petition seditious 
in its character, and summoned the petitioners before it. They 
were charged with "contemptuous and seditious expressions and 
were required to find sureties for their good behavior." The 
Court ordered an answer to be drawn up and published, which 
was done. The Court met by adjournment in November (the 
petition having been presented in May) and the case was taken 
up. Meanwhile two of the petitioners had made preparations to 
sail for England. They were sent for by the Court and required 
to find sureties for their appearance at another day. They de- 
manded a hearing at once, but finally found sureties and were 
liberated. Sureties were not required of the others. The Court 
fined Dr. Childe, being a leader, fifty pounds, Mr. Maverick ten 
pounds, and the rest thirty pounds each. They all appealed to 
Parliament in writing, but the Court refused to accept or read 
the document. 

After these proceedings Dr. Childe with three others of the 
petitioners prepared to return to England, a ship being ready to 
sail. The Court under the pretence that his fine had not been paid, 
caused him to be seized and detained and his study searched. 
They found nothing concerning the matter with Dr. Childe's 
effects, bat did find obnoxious papers in Dand's study which 
they had caused to be searched at the same time. Dr. Childe 
was in a great passion when brought before the Court, but finally 
offered to jjay his fine. The Court refused to take it on the 
ground that they had new matter and worse against him, the 
writings found in Dand's study being claimed to be in his hand- 
writing, 'i'hey were thus kept in custody until the ships were 
gone. This was undoubtedly the intention of the Court from the 
first, and the arrest and new accusation were made to effect that 
purpose. 

The authorities seem to have desired to keep a knowledge of 
their proceedings from Parliament, and they then proposed to 
send an agent of their own choosing to represent their own side 
of the case. They selected Edward Winslow as their agent for 



198 

that purpose. Vassall and Fowle went to England it is supposed 
at the time that Dr. Childe and the others were detained. 

The final result upon the new accusation and new proceedings 
was that several of the signers were imprisoned six months and 
were then fined as follows : 

Dr. Childe (imprisonment till paid), ;!^200. John Smith, 
jQ^oo. John Dand, ;^200. Thomas Burton, ;^ioo. Samuel 
Maverick for his offence in being pty to y^ conspiracy (imprison- 
ment till paid), ^100. Samuel Maverick ffor his offence in 
breaking his oath and in appealing ag"*' y*^ intent of his oath of a 
freeman, ^50. 

Two hundred pounds was the equivalent of about $5000. So 
that to all the petitioners (save Maverick who had a large estate, 
and the two who had gone to England) the presentation of this 
simple petition for the privilege of exercising what to-day is 
recognized as the inherent right of every human being, was social 
ostracism and financial ruin. Some of the early historians have 
called the petitioners factionists, troublesome fellows, and men 
of small repute ; and Palfrey says the petition was a plot to 
introduce the direct government of England. But the petitioners 
A^ere not all of the same religious denomination ; Vassall was 
thought to be an Independent, and there is some ground to 
believe that Dr. Childe was of Calvinistic tendency. As to the 
men themselves, William Vassall was one of the original patentees 
named in the Charter of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Thomas 
Fowle was a merchant of Boston. Dr. Childe received the degree 
of A. M. at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and afterwards 
the degree of M. D. at Padua. The historian of the town of 
Lancaster and compiler of the annals of that town thus speaks of 
him : 

" Gifted with great mental force, he held ideas of man and nature in advance 
of the age. His petition for the enlargement of political and religious privilege 
j Hit and moderate a.s It now seem'-i, so roused the ire of the Massachusetts 
theocracy that he was compelled to seek safety from his intolerant persecutors 
by flight across the seas." 

Samuel Maverick has been already noticed. Subsequently to 



199 

these proceedings he was appointed one of the Royal Commis- 
sioners. 

Bancroft, following the cue of the earlier historians, says that 
the Petition and Remonstrance was written in a spirit of wanton 
insult, but a careful reference to the original document fails to 
convince us of the truth of this assertion. It begins as follows : 
"To the Worshipful the Governor &c. The Remonstrance and 
humble petition" &c. Beginning with an acknowledgment of 
the indefatigable pains, the continual care, and constant vigilance 
which " by the blessing of God hath procured the blessings of 
peace and plenty in the wilderness," it sets forth three grievances 
or causes of complaint : ( i) That whereas the place was planted 
by Letters Patent granting incorporation into a company, &c., &c., 
with power of choosing rulers and making laws not repugnant to 
the laws of England, yet there was no settled form of government 
according to the laws of England, from whence proceed fears 
and jealousies of illegal commitments, unjust imprisonments, 
taxes, rates, customs, &c., concluding with a humble request to 
concur to establish the fundamental and wholesome laws of our 
native country. 

(2) The second cause of complaint was that many thousands 
in these plantations freeborn are deprived of the privilege of 
holding office and right of suffrage, with a prayer that civil liberty 
and freedom be granted to all truly English equal to the rest of 
their countrymen and as all freeborn enjoy in our native country. 

(3) The third grievance was : Whereas there are divers sober 
righteous and godly men members of the Church of England not 
dissenting from the latest and best reformation of England Scot- 
land &c., yet they and their posterity are detained from the seals 
of the covenant of free grace because as it is supposed they will not 
take these churches' covenant for which as yet they see no light 
in God's word. Nor clearly perceive what they are, every church 
having their covenant differing from another's at least in words. 
Notwithstanding they are compelled under a severe fine every 
Lord's Day to appear at the congregation and in some places 
forced to contribute to the maintainance of those ministers who 



200 

vouchsafe not to take them into their flock. (Then follows a 
recital of the evils resulting therefrom.) 

We therefore humbly intreat you in whose hands it is to help, 
and whose judicious eyes discern these great inconveniences for 
the glory of God and the comfort of your brethren and country- 
men to give liberty to the members of the Church of England 
(if they are to remain as members of these churches or Con- 
gregations) or otherwise to grant them liberty to settle themselves 
here in a Church way (intimating that if not they would be 
necessitated to apply to Parliament for aid and redress). 

It ought to be said for the credit of three of the magistrates, 
viz., Mr. Bellingham, Mr. Saltonstall and Mr. Bradstreet, that they 
dissented and desired to be entered contradice?iies in all the pro- 
ceedings (one of them, Mr. Bradstreet, leaving before the pro- 
ceedings terminated, as did also two or three of the Deputies). 

Rev. Robert Jordan lived in Falmouth, Maine, thirty-one years, 
preaching and administering the sacraments according to the 
service of the Church of England. The Records of the Colony 
of Massachusetts Bay, under date of Oct. i6th, 1660, contain the 
following entry : 

" Whereas it appears to this Court by sevrel testimonys of good repute 
that Mr Robert Jordan did in July last after exercise was ended vpon the 
Lord's Day in the house of Mrs Mackworth in the towne of Falmouth then 
& there baptise 3 children of Nathaniel Wales of the same towne, to the 
offence of the government of this Commonwealth, the Court judgeth it 
necessary to beare witness ag' such irregular practises, doe therefore order 
that the Secretary by letter in the name of this Court require him to desist 
from any such practises for the future & also that he appeare before the next 
General Court to ans^^'"" what shall he layd ag' him for what he hath donne 
for the tyme past." 

The sequel may be found in the official report of Col. Cart- 
wright in 1665, one of the Royal Commissioners, who says, "They 
did imprison and barbarously use Mr Jordan for baptising child- 
ren, as himselfe complayned in his petition to the Commissioners." 

But to trace beyond this point the history of the Church in 
the Colonies would exceed the proper limits of this paper. Not 



20I 



long after this date the laws restricting the franchise to church 
membership were repealed, and the people were free from 
ecclesiastical rule. 

It is said in justification of the treatment of Churchmen by the 
Puritans, that there was a systematic attempt on the part of the 
Church authorities in England to enforce conformity, and to 
bring the churches of the Colonies under the domination of the 
Church of England. I can find no evidence of this assertion 
during the period I have covered, and certainly after that period 
until the Revolution, the action of the Church authorities was 
confined and directed simply to the object of establishing a foot- 
hold for the Church. 

The letter of Charles II. to Massachusetts in 1662 asserts that 
" the principle and foundation of the Charter was, and is, the 
freedom of liberty of conscience." And a letter prepared for the 
royal signature by the Lords of the Committee for Plantations, in 
October, 1 681, not only recites that the Charter granted "such 
powers and authorities as were thought necessary for the better 
government of our subjects at so remote a distance from this our 
kingdom"; but adds, "Nothing was denied which you then 
deemed requisite for the full enjoyment of your property, and 
the liberty of your conscience so you would always contain your- 
selves within that duty which the bonds of inseparable allegiance 
binds you to." 

Mucli has been said of Archbishop Laud. Whatever he may 
have done to the Puritans in England, where is the evidence that 
from the foundation of the Massachusetts Colony he sought to 
dominate here ? Collier in his Ecclesiastical History quotes at 
length the order in council which Archbishop Laud issued June 
17th, 1634, to all places of trade and plantation where the 
English were settled, enjoining the establishment of the national 
church in them, and remarks that while that order was extended 
to all the four great divisions of the world, and generally received 
and obeyed in all colonies and settlements, " New England was 
somewhat of an exception." "The Dissenters," he continues, 
" who transported themselves thither established their own fancy." 
26 



202 



It is true that Lyford and Morrell were sent here. Morrell 
came over with Gorges in 1625, but he saw no opportunity to ex- 
ercise, and did not exercise his vocation. Lyford was sent over in 
1623, it would appear by the Company of London Adventurers, 
the main purpose of whose incorporation as expressed in its charter, 
was the same as that of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, viz., the 
conversion of the savages. There is no evidence however that he 
was even a Conformist, except to rely upon the fact that he was 
"in orders." But this was years before the settlement at Massa- 
chusetts Bay. From the landing of Winthrop in 1630 till 1660, 
the Colonists, so far as I am able to find, were left severely alone 
by the Church of England authorities, and there was no attempt 
systematic or otherwise to enforce conformity. 

It must not be supposed that there was no restiveness on the 
part of the people under this autocratic rule, or even a unanimity 
of sentiment among the leaders themselves. Winthrop himself, 
as his letters show, was of a tender, gentle spirit, but he believed 
that unity was above all things essential, and to preserve this, he 
yielded many times against his better judgment. But many of 
the leaders here, as well as friends in England, were alienated. 
William Coddington, the friend of Winthrop, one of the founders 
of the Colony, and afterwards Governor of Rhode Island ; Wil- 
liam Vassall, also one of the founders ; Francis Bright, Sir Henry 
Vane, Richard Bellingham. Thirteen of the most learned and 
eminent non-conforming clergymen in England wrote to the 
Governor of Massachusetts remonstrating against the course 
pursued. 

Sir Richard Saltonstall, who came out with Winthrop, and was 
an honored member of the Court of Assistants, returned to 
England in the following March, alienated by the course of his 
associates, and wrote thus to his friends. Cotton and Wilson : 

" Reverend and deare friends whom I unfaynedly love and respect: It 
doth not a little grieve my spirit to hear what sadd things are reported dayly 
of your tyranny and persecutions in New England, as that you fyne, whip, 
and imprison men for their consciences. First you compel such to come into 
your assemblies, as you know will not join with you in your worship, and 



203 

when they show their dislike thereof or witness against it then you styrre up 
your magistrates to punish them for such (as you conceyve) their public 
aftronts. Truly friends this your practice of compelling any in matters of 
worship to doe that whereof they are not fully persuaded is to make them 
sin, for so the Apostle (Rom. 14 & 23) tells us and many are made hypo- 
crites thereby, conforming in their outward persons more for fear of punish- 
ment. I hope you will not practise those courses in the w ilderness w hich 
you went so farre to prevent. These rigid ways have layed you very low in 
the hearts of the saynts. I doe assure you I have heard them pray in the 
publique assemblies, that the Lord would give you meeke and humble spirits, 
not to stryve so much for uniformity as to keep the unity of the spirit in the 
bond of peace. I hope you do not assume to yourselves infallibilite of judge- 
ment when the most learned of the Apostles confesseth he knew but in part 
and saw but darkely as thro a glasse. Oh that all those \\'ho are brethren 
tho yet they cannot thinke and speake the same things might be of one 
accord in the Lord." 

This rebuke seems all the more severe coming as it did from 
one who was in full and active sympathy with the religious senti- 
ment and views of the Colonists, and who, although he did not 
return to Massachusetts, exerted his influence many years in favor 
of the Colony at the English Court. 

There was disaffection also in the rank and file. There is every 
reason to believe that a very large majority of non-voters, com- 
prising, it is said, not less than five sixths of the male adult pop- 
ulation, were not only opposed to the arbitrary proceedings of 
the authorities, but looked upon them with indignation. But 
they were overawed and helpless. 

With the voters the case was different. The theocracy having 
been founded on the idea that the whole government of church 
and state was to be administered, and civil and criminal justice 
dispensed in accordance with God's word and Ciod's will, they 
were taught to believe that tlie Elders were the interpreters of 
that word and that will. And under the statute that no one could 
be a voter who was not a communicant, and with the power in 
hands of the minister to exclude any communicant from the 
sacrament at his own arbitrary will, thus virtually disfranchising 
him, and consulted as they were by the magistrates upon every 
important question that arose, it can be readily seen that not 



204 

only was all the real temporal power in the hands of the clergy, 
but that their influence over their respective churches must have 
been phenomenal. 

Notwithstanding all this, even the voters grew restive and 
became divided. At last, during some of the later atrocities of 
the Quaker persecution, the indignation of the people burst all 
bounds. It could be restrained no longer. Human nature could 
endure no more. When William Brend, in irons, kept sixteen 
hours without food, and with his flesh beaten to a jelly, his skin 
hanging down in little bags of clotted blood, was thrust into a cell 
to rot and die as he surely would, the people of Boston raised an 
outcry, burst the doors of his cell, and rescued him. 

When Mary Tomkins and Alice Ambrose had been flogged 
through Hampton and Dover on that bitter winter's day, the men 
of Salisbury rose en masse as they reached that town, tore the 
warrant from the constable's hands, trampled it under their feet, 
cut these bruised and bleeding women from the cart's tail at 
which they were dragged, and saved them from a still more awful 
fate. When the execution of Robinson, Stevenson, and Mary 
Dyer occurred, military precautions were taken. The official 
records show that the prisoners were guarded by "Capt. James 
Oliver with one hundred soldiers completely armed with pike, 
and musketeers, with powder and bullet." A drummer led the 
van with orders to beat the drum if any of the prisoners should 
attempt to speak. To such a point had the excitement of the 
people grown at the trial of Wenlock Christison, that the magis- 
trates faltered and hesitated two weeks before reaching a decision, 
and Endicott alone had the courage to insist upon a verdict of 
guilty and pronounce sentence ; but even Endicott quailed before 
the subsequent manifestations of feeling from the multitude. His 
execution could never have been effected. Not all the armed 
forces of the Colony could have prevented a rescue. 

But all this presents the darker side of the Puritan character, 
and before leaving them I wish to do them exact justice, — to 
present the other, the brighter and better side. I have spoken 



205 

of the avowed purpose of their coming to New England, and of 
the transfer of their Charter. It has been charged that they were 
guilty of duplicity in announcing one purpose when they meant 
at heart another, and that the transfer of the Charter to New 
England so that its powers might be exercised here was accom- 
plished in a fraudulent and clandestine manner. A careful 
weighing of the evidence does not seem to me to sustain these 
charges. I believe on the weight of the evidence that the letter 
written from the Arbella, expressed the sincere and honest senti- 
ments of Winthrop, its reputed author, and the majority of those 
who signed it ; that the predominating motive actuating the 
minds of Winthrop and his associates, while it was not openly 
avowed, was an escape from what they conceived to be a religious 
thraldom at home ; that while they were restive under its forms 
and ritual, they still claimed allegiance to the Church of England, 

There were some in the Company, undoubtedly, who from the 
beginning were out and out Separatists. These are those to 
whom the letter alludes in the clause : "Through the disaffection 
or indiscretion of some of us or rather amongst us." 

Then it must be remembered that P]ndicott and his company, 
who had preceded Winthrop by nearly two years, had enjoyed a 
friendly intercourse with the Plymouth colonists, and without 
doubt at the time of Winthrop's landing entertained a kindly 
feeling towards the Plymouth doctrine. Then again much allow- 
ance must be made for the general desire for peace and unity ; 
to the exigencies of the situation, to the difficulties in the way of 
Episcopal ordination and supervision. 

With regard to the transfer of the Charter, it is hardly reason- 
able to l)elieve that men of the intelligence of Winthrop's com- 
pany would have staked their all upon such a document without 
legal advice as to its construction, and there are nianv circum- 
stances which lend credit to the theory that the original draft 
was made by the counsel of the C'olonists. However that may 
be, this much is certain, the Colonists maintained from the be- 
ginning that the Charter gave them the right of local government, 
and in this claim they were afterwards sustained by Chief Justices 



206 

Rainsford and North, and by the official opinion of Attorney- 
General Sawyer. The transfer was therefore made under a claim 
of right, and they should be relieved from any charge of fraud. 

The Puritans were men of convictions, and men of convictions, 
always and everywhere, from enemies as well as friends, command 
respect. We may reject their creed, we may deprecate their 
intolerance ; but the more we study them, the more we are com- 
pelled to admire their grand virtues and lofty aim. And here let 
me make a confession. This paper was prepared — or the germ 
of it rather — many years ago, and for another occasion. Since 
then, upon further investigation, it has been twice revised and re- 
written, and each time with a milder judgment. 

Take the letter written from the Arbella. Where can there be 
found in English literature a production more full of pathos, or 
breathing a stronger fervor of devotion? Self-renunciation is 
stamped on every line. These were not refugees and outcasts, 
the pariahs of society, who uttered these sublime sentiments. 
They were men of culture and learning. Many were of large 
estate, and some of noble blood. It was no Eldorado they were 
seeking ; they knew well the outlook before them. Their enter- 
prise meant hardship, toil, privation, perhaps destruction ; and 
yet they faltered not. These are the men of whom martyrs are 
made. For the opinions they then held mayhap their own kith and 
kin had burned at Smithfield, and they were ready if needs must 
be, to share the same fate. And these were the men, paradox as 
it may seem after what has been written, who laid the foundations 
of civil and religious liberty. 

The Puritans laid the foundations of civil and religious liberty, 
but it was not Puritanism that did it. It was in spite of Puritan- 
ism. And by Puritanism I mean not the doctrine but the 
ecclesiastical or Puritan rule. The Puritan rule was the Red Sea 
through which they must pass ; the forty years in the wilderness 
which they must spend before reaching the promised land ; the 
fiery furnace heated seven times hot out of which they were to 
come as fine gold. 

The Puritans lived in an age when toleration was unknown ; 



207 

when Papist and Protestant, Conformist and Non-conformist, 
were alike persecutors as the one or the other chanced to be in 
the ascendant. It was God's design that by this bloody and 
terrible ordeal, men should learn once and for all time, that free 
thought and free speech, and freedom of religious worship, are 
the conditions of true liberty, and the foundation stones of a 
Christian Commonwealth. 

Rev. x'\. P. Marvin being- called upon by the 
President stated that — 

He was present because he had been informed that Mr. Par- 
ker's paper was intended as a reply to one read by him at a 
previous meeting ; but as the two papers did not cover the same 
period, nor relate specially to the same points, he would give way 
for other gentlemen, with the remark that he had listened with 
pleasure to a well-written literary production. 

After remarks upon the subject of the paper by 
Mr. H. M. Smith, Rev. Dr. Cutler, Mr. S. E. Staples, 
Rev. Mr. Hague, Rev. Dr. Perkins, Mr. Charles E. 
Stevens, Rev. Mr. Hosmer, and Mr. Parker, Mr. 
Marvin again addressed the meeting, and said : 

In reference to the case of the l)rothers Brown of Salem, 
the claim that they were unjustly sul)jected to hardship, some- 
times made, had very little foundation. They set up separate 
worship, according to the Church of England ritual, and at- 
tempted not only to divide the Church, but to make a schism in 
the colony. Their course was judged incompatible with the 
safety and even the existence of the colony, on its original basis, 
and they were required to withdraw. They were treated kindly ; 
their property was not confiscated, but they were sent home. In 
England they made their complaints, which came to nothing. 

In reference to the case of Dr. Robert Childe, William Vassall, 
and five others, who in 1646-7 sent a very innocent-seeming 



208 

petition to the General Court, asking for liberty of worship, etc., 
Bancroft in Vol. I., pp. 438-44, of his History had given a true 
history of the matter. According to him the paper was written 
in a spirit of wanton insult. It undertook to subvert the govern- 
ment of the colony ; indeed, it denied that any settled form of 
government existed on good authority. It threatened moreover 
to appeal to Parliament if redress were not granted. These men 
were traitors in spirit, and would have been in fact, if they had 
not been dealt with in a summary manner. Their attempted 
revolution was squelched, and they ought to have been thankful 
that they escaped with punishment far less severe than they de- 
served. When the matter came up in Parliament, the action of 
the colony was sustained. 

With regard to the penal laws made by the colony against the 
Quakers, there was no time at the end of a session to do justice 
to the subject. There was much to be said on both sides. The 
Quakers exasperated the authorities by the most bitter provoca- 
tions ; denied and defied their authority ; reviled them individ- 
ually and collectively ; disturbed their congregations, and violated 
the demands of common modesty. Such conduct now, by any 
class of people, would be punished by law, in some cases by fines, 
and in others with imprisonment or banishment ; and in some cases 
it would be restrained by seclusion in an insane hospital. On 
the other hand, the authorities were too sensitive ; they did not 
realize the strength of the government, and its power to endure 
the action of irregular and eccentric enthusiasts, and for the 
moment, they seemed to let anger usurp the throne of reason. 
Capital punishment was decreed against persistent offenders, 
and four persons were hanged. New England will never cease 
to mourn over that sad exhibition ; but it has been well said 
that no one was hanged but those who were determined to 
be. Instead of obeying the command of Christ, to flee when 
persecuted to another place, they came back, and defiantly chal- 
lenged, by their action, the government to sustain the law. The 
law was soon repealed, and by degrees, all penal laws in relation 
to such matters, were erased from the statute book. Thank God 
for the progress of religious liberty. 



209 

special meeting, Tuesday evening, September 27. 

Present : Messrs. Abbot, F. W. Brigham, Crane, 
Dickinson, Forehand, Gould, Houghton, Hubbard, 
J. A. Howland, C. Jillson, G. Maynard, Meriam, 
Nichols, Otis, Paine, F. P. Rice, Sawyer, Stiles, 
E. H. Thompson, Tucker and Wall, members ; and 
fourteen visitors. — 35. 

Mr. Thompson, United States Consul at Merida, 
gave an interesting account of his experiences in 
Yucatan, covering many details of his explorations 
among the ruins of that country, and of his daily 
life as Consul. He also exhibited a lar^e collection 
of photographs, natural products and relics belong- 
ing to that section."^ 

Remarks by several gentlemen followed, and on 
motion of Dr. Brigham the thanks of the Society 
were given to Mr. Thompson for his instructive and 
entertaining address. 



Regular meeting, Tuesday evening, October 4. 

Present : Messrs. Abbot, Crane, Dickinson, 
Gould, Harlow, Harrington, Hosmer, J. A. How- 
land, Hubbard, C. R. Johnson, Lynch, G. Maynard, 

*The substance of a jjortion of Mr. Thompson's remarks is contained in a 
communication from him printed in the Report of the Department of Archa;- 
ology and General History. 

37 



2IO 

Meriam, Otis, Parker, W. W. Rice, Sawyer, Wall, 
C. G. Wood, members ; and thirteen visitors. — 32. 

The Librarian reported 106 contributions. 

Mr, Wall read his essay entitled, "The Pilgrims 
of Plymouth, and the Puritans of Massachusetts 
Bay, viewed from a Quaker standpoint."* 

Remarks on the subject of the paper were also 
made by Hon. W. W. Rice, Col. Israel Plummer, 
and Messrs. Rowland and Johnson. 



Regular meeting, Tuesday evening, November i. 

Present : Messrs. Abbot, Crane, Dodge, Dickin- 
son, Estey, Gould, Hosmer, Hubbard, C. Jillson, 
Lee, Meriam, G. Maynard, Otis, Phillips, F. P. Rice, 
Staples, J. A. Smith, Tucker and Wall, members ; 
and twelve visitors. — 31. 

The Librarian reported 102 additions during the 
month. 

Mr. George Maynard gave his illustrated lecture 
on "The Topography and Antiquities of the Holy 
Land." 

Rev. Mr. Hosmer of Auburn related some inci- 
dents of his visit to Palestine. 

*This paper has been published by Mr. Wall. 



211 



After a vote of thanks to Mr. Maynard, and a 
brief consideration of certain proposed changes in 
the Constitution, the meeting was adjourned. 



Annual meeting, Tuesday evening, December 6. 

Present: Messrs. Barrows, Crane, Dickinson, 
Gould, Lawrence, Leonard, Lynch, Meriam, G. 
Maynard, F. P. Rice, Stedman, members ; and two 
visitors. — 13. 

Franklin P. Rice was appointed Secretary of the 
meeting. 

Henry L. Shumway of Boylston was elected a 
corresponding member, and Franklin F. Phelps of 
Worcester was admitted an active member. 

The Librarian reported 433 gifts to the Society 
since the November meeting. 

The Treasurer and Librarian presented their 
annual reports as follows : — 



212 



TREASURER'S REPORT. 

To the Officers and Members of 

The Worcester Society of Antiquity : 

Gentlemen : — In accordance with the requirements of the By- 
Laws of this Society, I herewith present this Annual Report, 
showing the receipts and expenditures of the Society from Dec. 
7, 1886 to Dec. 6, 1887, as follows : 



CASH RECEIVED. 



Assessments, 

Admissions, 

Life memberships, 

Donations, 

Sale of publications, 

Balance from 1S86, 



Dr. 



^491 00 

24 00 

5000 

207 00 

5 00 



$777 00 
22 75 



CASH PAID. 




1887. 




Cr. 


Kent, 




^175 00 


Gas, 




804 


Water. 




2 00 


Printing Proceedings, 


204 00 


Printing Constitution, 


10 00 


Postage, 




368 


Printing No 


tices, 


28 20 


Collecting, 




3450 


Supplies for 


Librarian, 


20 46 


Librarian, 




37 54 


Interest, 




1698 


Smith note. 




23795 
^577835 


Balance on 


hand. 


21 40 



$799 75 $799 75 

There are admission fees and assessments due the Society to 
the amount of $ 146. 

Respectfully submitted, 

HENRY F. STEDMAN, Treasurer. 



213 

LIBRARIAN'S REPORT. 

The whole number of additions to the Library and Museum 
during the past year is 1881, as follows: — 337 bound volumes, 
1033 pamphlets, 412 papers, and 99 articles for the Museum. 
Number of contributors, 141. A list of gifts with the names of 
the donors forms a part of this report. 

Transactions and Reports have been received from thirty-six 
kindred societies and institutions. The publishers of the follow- 
ing periodicals have regularly forwarded their issues to us : — Athol 
Transcript, Webster Times, Oxford Mid-Weekly, Martha's Vine- 
yard Herald, Worcester Home Journal, Practical Mechanic, 
The Messenger, and The Academe. We have also received by 
gift or exchange, the Granite Monthly, N. E. Historical and Gen- 
ealogical Register, Magazine of American History, Pennsylvania 
Magazine, Iowa Historical Record, Miscellanea Genealogica et 
Heraldica, and the Narragansett Register. 

Nos. XXIV. and XXV. of the Society's publications have been 
issued and distributed since I presented my last report. 

THOMAS A. DICKINSON, Librarian. 



GIFTS TO THE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM. 

Abbot, W. F. 15 pamphlets, 6 papers; miscellaneous matter; photograph 

of donor. 
Allen, E. G., London, i pamphlet. 
Allis, G. S. Ancient documents. 

American Antiquarla.n Society. Proceedings as issued. 
American Catholic Historical Society, i pamphlet. 
American Geographical Society. Publications as issued. 
American Museum of Natural History, N. Y. Publications as issued. 
American Historical Association, i pamphlet. 
Andrews, W. H. 2 pistols. 
AsToR Library, N. Y. 2 pamphlets. 



214 

Bailey, George W. i pamphlet; ancient flax heckle. 

Banister, Charles H. 8 papers. 

Banks & Bros, i pamphlet. 

Barrows, Myron E. 87 pamphlets. 

Bartlett, William H. 114 pamphlets; package of papers. 

Barton, William S. Benton's Thirty Years' View, 2 volumes. 

Beachan, John. Paper. 

Benjamin, W. B. Catalogues. 

Bishop, Dr. H. F. Cane. 

Blake, Fr.ancis E. i pamphlet. 

Blanchard, F. S. Pamphlet and papers. 

Booth, C. C. i pamphlet. 

Bostonian Society, i paper. 

Boyden, Mrs. John. 18 volumes, 3 pamphlets; 35 steel engravings; fire 

buckets and bag; several other articles. 
Brooklyn Library, i pamphlet. 
Brown, Edwin. 31 pamphlets. 
Buffalo Historical Society, i pamphlet. 
Burgess, Mrs. Daniel. Wooden pin from house of Rev. Thomas Holt of 

Hardwick, built in 1769. 
California Historical Society. Papers, volume I., part i. 
California, University of. 5 pamphlets. 

Chaffee, W. W. Cane made of wood from old Huguenot Dam, Oxford. 
Clark, A. S. 2 pamphlets. 
Clark, J. H. Ancient scales and weights. 
Clark, Robert, & Co., Cincinnati. Catalogues. 
Clemence, Henry M. Old crockery, 5 pieces; reaping hooks. 
Crane, Ellery B. 3 pamphlets; whale's tooth. 
Crane, John C. Indian soapstone pottery, arrow points; envelope. 
Critic Company, N. Y. Papers. 
Dana, John A. 72 pamphlets, 2 maps and 2 papers. 

Dawson, Henry B. His Westchester County, N. Y., during the Revolution. 
Denny, Henry A. Continental Bill. 
Dickinson, Thomas A. 7 volumes. 
DoDD, Mead & Co. i pamphlet. 
Dodge, Benjamin J. 6 pamphlets. 
Douglas, R. W., & Co. 2 pamphlets. 
Dufosse, E. De, Paris, i pamphlet. 
Earle, Dr. Pliny. Letters of Eleazar Smith, 1813-14; original card tooth 

machine, 1800; model of card pricking machine, 1800. 
Education, Bureau of, Washington, i volume, 21 pamphlets. 
Epoch Publishing Co., N. Y. i paper. 
Essex Institute. Bulletin as issued. 



215 

EsTES & Lauriat. Catalogues. 

EsTEY, James L. i pamphlet. 

Fire Society, Worcester. Reminiscences. 

Flint, Mrs. Harriet, Leicester. 12 volumes, i pamphlet. 

FoRU.M Publishing Co., N. Y. i magazine. 

Gilbert, Charles W. Coin. 

GooDNOw, Edward A. Dedication of Goodnow Memorial Hall, Princeton. 

Gould, Abram K. Gen. Lee's Farewell Address. 

Green, Hon. Samuel A., M. D. i volume, 36 pamphlets, i paper. 

Griffin, Martin J. J. i pamphlet. 

Griswold, W. M., Washington, i pamphlet. 

Guild, Mrs. Calvin. Collection of church programmes. 

Harrassowitz, Otto, Leipsic. Catalogues. 

Harvard University, Library of. Bulletin as issued. 

Harvey, Capt. C. Coat worn by a member of the State Guard, (1863-74). 

Herbich & Rapsilber. 3 pamphlets. 

HiERSEMANN, Karl W., Leipsic. 2 catalogues. 

Hoar, Hon. George F., U. S. Senator. 137 public documents. 

Home Knowledge Association, N. Y. i pamphlet. 

Howard, Joseph Jackson, ll. d., London. Miscellanea Genealogica et 
Heraldica, for the year. 

HoWLAND, Joseph A. Framed certificate; canes from Mt. Vernon and 
Putnam's Wolf Den. 

HULiNG, Ray Greene. Home Lots of Early Settlers of Providence Planta- 
tions; I pamphlet. 

Iow\ State Historical Society. 2 pamphlets. 

Jacques, B. C, & Co. Weather vane and ball from the Central Church in 
Worcester, erected 1823. 

Jenks, Charles E. History of North Brookfield, Mass. 

JiLLSON, Hon. Clark. The Town of Webster, illustrated; Granite Monthly 
for the year; binding of several volumes. 

JiLLSON, Dr. F. C. Ancient Lamp. 

Johns Hopkins University. Publications as issued. 

Johnson, Charles R. i pamphlet. 

Kay & Bro. i pamphlet. 

Kendall, Sanford M. (deceased) Complete file of the Christian Union; 
framed picture. 

Lawrence, Edward R. File of Constitutional Telegraph, 1799-1800. 

Lee, Pardon A. Framed portrait of Dr. B. F. Hey wood; nails from the 
Old South Church. 

Leonard, Bp:rnard A. Framed oil painting by Francis Alexander; 29 vol- 
umes, 4 pamphlets. 

Lewis, William Dean. Ancient foot rule. 



2l6 



LiBBiE, C. F., & Co. Sale catalogues. 

Library Company, Philadelphia. Bulletin as issued. 

Lincoln, Edward Winslow. Report of the Parks Commission. 

Lindsay, R. M. Catalogues. 

Luce, Robert, Boston, i pamphlet. 

Manitoba Historical Society. Publications. 

Marble, A. P. 3 pamphlets. 

Mason, Joseph, ii volumes, 61 pamphlets. 

May, Rev. Samuel. Life of William Lloyd Garrison, 2 volumes; 8 pam- 
phlets and 2 maps. 

Maynard, M. a. Impeachment of Andrew Johnson, 3 volumes. 

McClurg, a. C, & Co. I pamphlet. 

Meriam, Rufus N. 2 volumes, 86 pamphlets, 14 papers. 

Miller, Henry W. 2 volumes. 

Minnesota Historical Society. Reports. 

Morrison, J. T., Wooster, O. i pamphlet. 

Morrow, Mrs. O. N. Photograph. 

Myer, Isaac. Paper. 

Narragansett Publishing Co. Narragansett Historical Register for the 
year. 

Nash & Pierce, i pamphlet. 

Nebraska State Historical Society, i volume. 

New England Historic-Genealogical Society. Register for the year. 

New Jersey Historical Society. Proceedings. 

New York State Library. 6 volumes. 

O'Flynn, Richard. Ancient Swedish lock; i pamphlet. 

Oneida Historical Society, i pamphlet. 

Otis, John C. Framed photograph of citizens of Worcester. 

Paine, Nathaniel. 21 pamphlets, 50 papers; photograph; relic from the 
Gaspee. 

Peabody Museum, Cambridge. Publications for the year. 

Pennsylvania Historical Society. Pennsylvania Magazine for the year. 

Perry, Hon. Amos. His Carthage and Tunis, past and present. 

Perry, S. D. File of the Massachusetts Spy, 1822. 

Phillips, Albert M. His Phillips Genealogy. 

Pollard, L. L. Large hornets' nest. 

Prince, Lucian. 4 pamphlets and i paper. 

Providence Public Library, i pamphlet. 

Putnam, Davis & Co. 2 volumes, 170 pamphlets, 53 papers. 

Putnam, G. P., & Sons. Catalogues. 

Poor, H. V. & H. W. 10 volumes Railroad Manual. 

Porter & Coates. Catalogues. 

Record Commission, Boston. 2 volumes. 



H 



217 

Reinswald, G., Paris, i pamphlet. 

Rice, Fi^nklin P. 3 pamphlets. 

Rice, Hon. W. W. 2 volumes. 

Roe, Alfred S. His American Authors and their Birthdays; 7 volumes, 
10 pamphlets, 78 papers; framed portrait. 

Russell, Hon. John E., m. c. 2 specimens Massachusetts currency, 17S0. 

Salisbury, Stephen. Lend a hand fur the year; framed engraving of 
Sumner and Longfellow. 

Saunders, \V. B. Catalogues. 

Scientific American Co. i volume. 

Scott, Leonard, i pamphlet. 

Scribner & Welford. Catalogues. 

Sanford & Davis. Boylston Centennial. 

Secretary of the Commonwe.-ilth, Boston. 6 volumes, 2 pamphlets. 

Shaw, Mrs. Mary A. Brass warming pan; picture. 

Shumway, Henry L. Magazine of American History for the year; i vol- 
ume, 42 pamphlets. 

Simmons, Rev. Charles E. Piece of Charter Oak. 

Smith, Henry M. i volume, 2 pamphlets; reception cards Gov. Ames. 

Smith, Isaac H. Japanese shoes. 

Smith, James A. 47 pamphlets, 9 papers. 

Smithsonian Lnstitution. i volume. 

Staples, Rev. Carlton A. 2 memorial sermons. 

Staples, Samuel E. 36 pamphlets. 

State Department, Washington. 12 pamphlets. 

Stechet, Gustave E. i paper. 

Stevens, B. P., London. Catalogues. 

St. Louis Academy of Science. Proceedings. 

Strahan, Charles, i paper. 

Strong, Helen and Julia. 7 volumes. 

Sumner, George. 2 volumes, 11 pamphlets, 58 papers; portrait and other 
articles. 

Thayer, Hon. Eli. i volume. 

Thompson, E. Francis. His edition Midsummer Nights' Dream. 

Thompson, Edward H. Articles used in aboriginal dances, Yucatan. 

Twietmeyer, a., Leipsic. Catalogues. 

Vaneverens, p. F., New York, i pamphlet. 

Ward, Prof. Henry A. i pamphlet. 

Ward & Howell. 2 papers. 

Wesby, Herbert. 47 pamphlets. 

Western Reserve and Northern Ohio Historical Society. 2 pamphlets. 

Wilder, Harvey B. Ancient and Honorable Artillery sermon. 

WiNSLOW, Hon. Samuel. His Inaugural Address as Mayor of Worcester. 

28 



2l8 

Wali,, Caleb A. i pamphlet. 
White, Charles D. Framed receipt, 1777. 
Wisconsin State Historical Society. 2 pamphlets. 
Woodman, Mrs. D. O. 17 pamphlets; Bowie knife. 
Woods, H. D. i volume, 2 pamphlets. 
Woodruff, E. W. i pamphlet. 
Wright, J. O., & Co. i pamphlet. 
Yale College Library. 2 volumes. 



The reports of the Treasurer and Librarian were 
accepted and placed on file. 

The Society then proceeded to ballot for the choice 
of officers for 1888, and the following were elected. 

President: Ellery B. Crane ; ist Vice-President: 
Albert ToLMAN ; 2d Vice-President: George Sum- 
ner ; Secretary : William F. Abbot ; Treasurer : 
Henry F. Stedman ; Librarian : Thomas A. Dickin- 
son ; Member of Committee on Nominations to 
serve three years : Daniel Seagrave. 

The annual assessment for 1888 was fixed at four 
dollars. 

Messrs. Crane, Staples and Rice were re-elected 
to serve as the Committee on Publications for 1888. 

The Chairmen of the several Departments were 
authorized to present their reports in print. 

The meeting was then adjourned. 

This closes the record of 1887. 



ISAAC NEWTON METCALF. 



BY SAMUEL E. STAPLES. 



Isaac Newton Metcalf was born at Royalston, Mass., March 
8, 1818, and died in Worcester, in the closing hours of Easter, 
April 10, 1887, after a day of active service at St. John's Epis- 
copal Church. His profession was that of music. He was for 
many years located in Lowell, where he was actively engaged in 
the duties of his calling. Subsequently he came to Worcester, 
and for some years was music teacher in the public schools of 
this city, but resigned his position and became a partner in the 
firm of Fay, Richards & Co., dealers in pianofortes and general 
musical merchandise. Upon the retirement of Mr. Fay, the 
business was continued for some time by Messrs. Richards, 
Metcalf & Co. ; and upon the final dissolution of the partnership, 
Mr. Metcalf engaged in other pursuits. 

He compiled a number of small books of considerable interest, 
among them an illustrated quarto entitled "Heart of the Com- 
monwealth," a business guide to the City of Worcester, published 
by Snow, Woodman & Co., 18S1 ; and a Church and Choir 
Directory of Worcester County. He also compiled an almanac 
that was published a number of years. At the time of his death 
he had been engaged for some months in collecting material for 
a new illustrated Worcester history, to be published by Mr. O. B. 
Wood, the plan and work of which have been completed by 
other hands. 

But Mr. Metcalf evidently took the greatest interest in church 
work, especially the music of the church. He was for many 
years choir master at All Saints Episcopal Church, and was also 
one of the church wardens ; and subsequently upon the formation 



220 

of St. John's Episcopal Church, Lincoln street, he performed the 
same duties there, from its beginning to the day of his death. 

He was president for a number of years of the Worcester Choral 
Union, and also served for sixteen years as an officer of the 
Worcester County Musical Association, in which he had a deep 
and an abiding interest, and for which he performed a great 
amount of useful labor. For ten years or more he rendered 
efficient service as assistant assessor of Ward One. 

Mr. Metcalf was admitted a member of The Worcester Society 
of Antiquity March 6, 1877, but his various duties precluded his 
giving that active service here that he was accustomed to render in 
other associations, though he was interested, especially in local his- 
torical researches, as works which he has issued plainly indicate. 
His was an active and useful life, spent in doing what he could 
to elevate and improve the condition of others. He was a genial 
friend, his companionship agreeable, and his life a bright example 
of the true Christian gentleman. May all emulate the virtues of 
so worthy a man. 



DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 



ARCH.^OLOGY AND GENERAL HISTORY. 

The year 1887 has not been remarkable for extraordinary 
archaeological discoveries, but it has been a period of great 
activity in the various fields of research, and much valuable work 
has been accomplished therein by diligent and well-directed 
effort. 

In our own country increased interest has been manifested in 
the remains of the Mound Builders. Many mounds, hitherto 
undisturbed, have been opened, and their contents carefully 
scanned ; fortifications have been subjected to closer study than 
heretofore ; and religious monuments have been made the objects 
of most critical attention. The grand result of all these labors 
seems to be a growing opinion among students, amounting to a 
conviction on the part of many, that the builders of the mounds 
and kindred structures were closely allied in race and general 
culture to the people found existing in the vicinity of these re- 
mains at the time of their discovery by our fathers, if they were 
not actually of the same race. 

In the Southwest the work of investigation and discovery 
among the Zunis and the Pueblo Indians is making rapid progress 
under the direction of trained government officers, while in the 
far North a new field has been opened by the labors of Lieut. A. P. 
Niblack, U. S. N., in the wilds of southern Alaska. This faithful 
officer and accomplished archaeologist has recently returned to 
Washington, after a three years' sojourn in that distant region, 
bringing with him an immense amount of ethnologic and arch?e- 
ological material, which it will now be his duty to classify and 



222 



describe. How well this work will be done may be inferred from 
his valuable contributions to the records of the Smithsonian 
Institution on other occasions. 

In the distant South, our associate, Edward H. Thompson, in 
the face of adverse circumstances, has continued operations in 
the wilds of Yucatan, and overcoming obstacles that would have 
baffled the skill and energy of most men, has succeeded in taking 
moulds of a carved facade of a structure in the ruined city of 
Labna, and in safely conveying them thence to Worcester. 
Plaster casts have been made from these moulds, and an exact 
reproduction of a portion of this fagade may now be seen at 
Antiquarian Hall, in this city. Mr. Thompson continues to main- 
tain close relations with our Society, and an interesting commu- 
nication from him, received early last summer, is appended to 
this report. 

Many noteworthy discoveries have recendy been made in the 
Old World, though economy of space will permit reference to 
but two of these. 

In the excavations at Pompeii a large number of silver vessels 
and three books have been found heaped together under circum- 
stances which indicate that their owner, a lady named Dicidia 
Margaris, had packed them together in a bundle covered with 
cloth, and endeavored to escape with them at the time of the 
destruction of the city. This woman undoubtedly lost her life in 
the undertaking. The books, which consist of wood tablets fast- 
ened together in book form, show her name and the nature of 
her valuable property. The tablets are about five by eight inches 
in space, and when discovered were coated with wax in which 
the letters were made. After a few days the wood became dry 
and the wax peeled off in small pieces, leaving the inscriptions 
mostly illegible. Before this happened inspection showed that 
the books contained the title deeds and important contracts of 
this lady. The contracts were between Dicidia Margaris and 
one Popp?ea Note, a freedman. From the names of the Consuls 
mentioned in some of the contracts, it appears that they were 
made in the year 6i a. d. Two of the contracts relate to the 



223 

sale of some slaves by Popprea Note to Dicidia ; another fixes 
1450 sesterces as the penalty which Popprea agrees to pay 
Dicidia should the slaves prove unprofitable. The silver ])late 
found consists of four goblets with four trays, four cups with 
handles, a cup without a handle, a filter, a bottle with perforated 
bottom, a spoon and a small scoop. It appeared from the books 
that the silver plate of Dicidia was composed of a set for four 
persons, but the set found is incomplete, probably owing to the 
gathering up of the articles in great haste by their owner prepara- 
tory to flight. 

A recent discovery at Jerusalem may result in throwing much 
light on the question of the site of the sepulchre of our Savior. 
An ancient tomb has been laid bare just seventy-two feet due west 
from the so-called Holy Sepulchre, and fifteen and one half feet 
below the surface of the present street (Christian street). Henry 
Gillman, U. S. Consul at Jerusalem, says: "All who have seen 
this tomb, and who are experienced in such antiquities, unhesi- 
tatingly assign it to the Canaanitish or Jebusite period. The 
discovery is thought by many to furnish strong evidence in support 
of the claim that the true sites of Calvary and the tomb of Christ 
are not those generally accepted, but are identical with the high 
knoll at the cave of Jeremiah, and the tomb in the garden near 
by, outside the walls of Jerusalem, adjacent to the Damascus 
Gate, as it would seem that the Jews would never have chosen as 
a place of interment a Jebusite or Canaanitish burial spot." 

In closing this report the chairman is impelled to express the 
hope that the coming year will witness increased interest among 
the members of the Society in general in the work of this Depart- 
ment, as well as renewetl efforts on the part of those more closely 
connected with the Department, to augment its efficiency. 

CHARLES R. JOHNSON, Chairman. 



224 



Mr. Thompson's Communication. 

To the 7nembers of The Worcester Society of Antiquity : 

Although it has been some time since the 
Society has heard from me, it is not because I have forgotten 
that I have the honor of being a member. 

My archaeological work during the past year has been princi- 
pally that of exploration and study, rather than of writing. Since 
my last communication to you I have visited, explored, and 
photographed among the ruins of Ak^, Izamal, Kabah, Uxmal, 
and Zayi. Of the last it is said that I am the first person who 
has visited it since Stephens, and if my appearance upon my 
return be any indication of the trials to pass through before it 
can be reached, it will be some time before any one else will 
again undertake the task, although the road cut out by my men 
will make it much easier for the next explorer. 

I have discovered upon my last expedition into the interior a very 
interesting ruined city to which I have given the Mayan name 
of "Thum-Kat-oin." This city has been hitherto unknown even 
to the Indians. Photographs of an edifice within this city, that 
among others I shall have the pleasure of presenting to the 
Society upon my anticipated visit to the United States, will, I 
trust, be of interest to the members. 

The discovery of these ruins was accomplished only after we 
had passed about fifteen days in the jungle and wilderness of the 
almost unknown interior of Yucatan, consequently both myself 
and men, as well as my clothing, were about used up ; indeed 
my once stout deerskin shoes had given out under the hard 
usage, and as I stood upon the platform of a mound that over- 
looked the ruined and deserted city, my tiger-skin leggings were 
about the only serviceable article of wear left upon me. One who 
has never traversed a Yucatan wilderness can have but a faint 
idea of the toil involved. 

After having taken measures to determine our position, and 
photographed the adjacent edifice, I returned to the ruins of 



225 

Labna. I left this interesting and hitiicrto unknown group of 
ruins regretfully, but deemed it best to defer its exploration until 
next season when, fresh and vigorous, I could come prepared to 
give it the thorough investigation it merits. At Labna my prin- 
cipal work was to take a mould of a certain interesting carved 
facade ; this I have successfully accomplished, and in the not 
distant future the result will probably be seen. 

Excellent good health has been enjoyed in all of my expedi- 
tions, sometimes when circumstances were decidedly against it. 
We were at one time awakened past midnight from a comfortable 
slumber in our hammocks beneath the trees, to find ourselves in 
absolute darkness and drenched by a tropical tempest ; as morn- 
ing dawned the tempest changed into a steady downpour, and 
for three days we were thus confined to the chambers of a ruined 
edifice so damp that the glued parts of the camera came apart, 
and of a necessity our provisions became scanty and covered 
with mould. Notwithstanding this, in a region where the slight- 
est exposure to the damp is a cause for anxiety because of the 
fierce and fatal fevers that abound, I had no evil results follow 
personally, and the slight fevers induced among my men were 
easily controlled by me. 

I have made my last expedition into the unexplored regions 
for this season, and am now collating my notes and arranging my 
collections of scientific objects preparatory to my visit to the 
United States. Meanwhile my leisure moments do not lack 
material to occupy them. A huge, ancient, artificial mound 
overlooking the city is being levelled, and this to me is an opera- 
tion of exceeding interest. This mound has a history, though 
unluckily only its last pages can be read by us. When first seen 
by Montijo and his small band of followers, in 1540, upon its 
summit stood a magnificent "Ku" or Temple. 

When the ancient city of the Mayas, Tihoo, was converted by 
the Adelantado Montijo into the Spanish city of Merida, the San 
Franciscan monks took this ancient temple and converted it into 
a monastery. When in process of time Yucatan was again a j)art 
of Mexico, and the whole land had passed through the throes of 
29 



226 

a successful revolution against Catholicism and Maximilian, 
monasteries, convents and the like were abolished, and the gov- 
ernment made of the monastery a fortress. It vv^as then by pop- 
ular voice christened "El Castillo" (the Castle), El Castillo 
situated upon the mound built by prehistoric hands, commanded 
the whole city and proved a source of offence as well as defence. 
Less than a quarter of a century ago, when revolutions were the 
order of the day and peace a rarely enjoyed luxury, the faction 
which succeeded in reaching the Castle first was the one that 
could scccessfully levy assessments upon the city, and, because of 
the government magazine, could burn the most powder in the 
direction of its enemies. In later years the " powers that were " 
awoke to the fact that the various revolutionists were occupying 
and using the Castle much oftener than the government was itself. 
Accordingly it was fitted up for their permanent use by being 
converted into a prison. 

The present government has decreed the total demolition, not 
only of the building (by this time a queer agglomeration of Maya, 
Spanish and Mexican architecture), but of the great mound as 
well ; and while I regret the demolition of this huge work of the 
ancient Mayas, I am rejoiced that I have a chance to view the 
work as it progresses, and thereby gain an interesting insight into 
the structural methods of these prehistoric workers. 

EDWARD H. THOMPSON. 

U. S. Consiilate, Merida, Yucatan, 
May 30, 1887. 



227 

LOCAL HISTORY AND GENEALOGY. 
THE RECORD OF 1887. 

The period of twelve months, which completes the round of 
the four seasons, has become the universal milestone of time ; a 
station where without a halt in the world's events we take the 
backward look. For the purpose of the present summary, a few 
words as to the general facts of the year 1887 may be of interest. 

The year gave a good record of prosperity in business matters, 
and generally undisturbed industry throughout the country, with 
an absence of wide-spread strikes and labor troubles ; and the 
law has been vindicated in the execution of the Chicago Anar- 
chists. 

x^broad we have seen England celebrate with great splendor 
the fiftieth anniversary of Queen Victoria's accession to the 
throne, while the Tory government has gone on suppressing dis- 
cussion in Ireland by vigorous measures of coercion. France has 
passed safely, but not without peril, through a change of admin- 
istration. Germany has increased her army, and has extended 
her possessions in the Pacific. Russia has struggled with con- 
spiracies and attempts on the life of the Czar, while her discon- 
tent with the election of Prince Ferdinand to the throne of 
Bulgaria has caused mutterings and rumors of war. On the 
whole, Europe, though at peace, has seemed trembling on the 
verge of great convulsions. 

The events of the year of more than common note were the 
severe earthquake shocks in February, in the best centers of 
pleasure-seeking on the European continent, at Nice, Cannes 
and Mentone, and causing wide ruin in the Italian Riviera, cost- 
ing the loss of six hundred lives. 

In this country frightful railroad disasters have occurred. The 
year opened with the collision on the Baltimore and Ohio, in 
which cars were telescoped, and horrible scenes of passengers 



228 

burning to death took place. This was followed by similar cal- 
amities on the Boston and Albany, at Westfield ; Vermont Cen- 
tral, at White River Bridge ; Boston and Providence, at Bussey's 
Bridge ; and on other railroads, all accompanied with more or 
less loss of life ; a strange and ghastly procession of similar 
events, out of which has come attempted reform in methods of 
heating and lighting cars. 

The elements bore a striking part in the calamities of the year. 
In October the city of Quelito in Mexico was totally destroyed 
by storm and flood, and many lives were lost. Very recent re- 
ports have been received of the destruction of several hundreds 
of thousands of lives by a flood in a Chinese river. 

In the first quarter of the year, in March, the burning of the 
Richmond Hotel, in Buffalo, caused the death of several inmates. 
In May the Opera Comique was burned in Paris, with a great 
loss of life. At various periods several lumber towns in Wiscon- 
sin have been swept by devastating fires. Barnum's great winter 
menagerie was burned at Bridgeport in November, we are not 
sure a regretted fact with the proprietor of a great moral show 
which always profits by notoriety. 

The meteorology of the year in the country at large has shown 
great extremes of heat and cold, wet and dryness. Some of our 
January weather in 1887 might have been filed away for the use 
of the oldest inhabitants of the future in comparisons to be con- 
fidently made. In February came one of the worst storms of 
snow known in New England for many years. In New England 
the rainfall of the season was large ; at the same time large areas 
in the central states east of the Mississippi were parched with 
drought. In this locality the autumn was delightful, and the 
tardy approach of cold weather has largely favored outside 
building operations. 

But neither to the fluctuations of business, or the succession of 
mundane events, however startling, that are nevertheless recur- 
rent as dis-associated from humanity, comes the meaning that 
attaches to the passing of human lives. "The dead to-day is as 
completely so as he who died a thousand years ago." They 



229 

were with us when the year began. They are gone. Their 
records are finished. The first sense of grief at bereavement 
comes to the immediate home circle, and with the common mul- 
titude it remains there. The average man or citizen is soon for- 
gotten, save where he is held by those of his kin as a link in 
a chain of genealogy. If he acts well his part the community in 
larger or lesser manifestation will recognize his passing, and can 
do no more. It is the common lot. Poor Rip Van Winkle in 
Jefferson's matchless impersonation asks with marvellous pathos, 
*'Are we so soon forgot when we are gone?" 

Not all, else where were earth's prizes for eminent and worthy 
living? Some men are great in themselves ; some make or mark 
eras, or are associated with the great facts of history. To these 
in our necrology of the year we turn for a brief reference. 

We doubt if any life ending in 1887 leaves a stronger record, 
a wider and deeper mark on the age, than that of the great 
Brooklyn pastor and preacher. I find no l)etter ascription to 
his merits than the analysis of Prof. Swing of Chicago : 

"Mr. Beecher's greatest years were only twenty in number, 
lying between 1845 and 1865. That group of twenty years was 
made tremendous by the great ideas which lay beneath them. 
These great years would have been thirty had not his large 
themes died from fulfillment. We cannot find fault with good 
dreams which suddenly end by coming true. His mind and 
body were equal to a longer service, but England no longer 
needed any instruction as to America ; Kansas needed no more 
intercession ; the slaves needed no more of the eloquence of 
abolition. The cathedral of liberty had been completed and 
the architect had only to go inside and become a worshiper. 
For twenty years this wonderful man worked for the human race, 
then he wrought twenty years more for his parish, this last score 
of Summers being also full of power, but not to be compared 
with the time when the toil was for the nation, and the task the 
greatest upon earth. In the greater period he seemed under the 
employ of the people to plead their cause in politics and religion. 
His pulpit moved around in the daily press, and was on the banks 
of the {3hio and the Missouri, while, as the old Scottish clans 
sprang forth from the bushes when their chieftain gave a blast on 
his trumpet, the audiences of this evangelist issued at his call 



230 

from all the hills of the East and the waving grass of the West. 
In times of deep distress the slaves' souls cried out with the 
Scotch poet : 

'Oh, for a blast of that dread horn, 
On Fontarabian echoes borne.' 

"The public services of Daniel Webster did not cover so wide 
a space in time ; nor did the great career of Abraham Lincoln 
take in so many circles of the sun. To Mr. Beecher must be 
given the fame and gratitude for a battle long fought, and well 
fought to the final perfect triumph." 

Grouped with Mr. Beecher in the ranks of anti-slavery reform 
in the older day, two other dead of the year 1887 have a place : 
Henry B. Stanton and Abby Kelley Foster. The latter has been 
a permanent fixture in Massachusetts and New England, and to 
us here in Worcester, was a neighbor. Some of us who remem- 
ber the earnest outspoken young woman of her early day are 
perhaps not ready to accord to herself and her compeers all that 
is claimed for them by those who are seeking to build altars to 
their praise. But it is not yet discovered how the world can get 
forward on the lines of its better progress without the agitators. 
Troublesome, cranky men and women, some of them, that will 
not obey Paul and be silent, yet what should we do without them. 
They are always with us. I suspect reforms can never spare 
them, though all their pioneer work seems superfluous and ex- 
cessive, and not exactly in the line of the grand movement of 
progress. Who can say that in this very resultant line they had no 
share? Certainly one cannot who knows what come-outerism 
means, both in anti-slavery and modern prohibition ; and finds 
the puzzle still a live one, with a pretty solid conviction that 
there is room for all ; that not one pulse-beat for reform or prog- 
ress is lost or wasted. 

Three noted women of world fame passed away — Jenny Lind, 
the Swedish Nightingale ; Dinah Mulock Craik, and Lady Bras- 
sey. 

In the general list of Americans of eminence are missed such 
names as Edward L. Youmans, Alvan Clark, Spencer F. Baird, 



231 

secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and Gustiis Robert 
Kirchoff, discoverer of the spectroscope. In music Maurice 
Strakosch, impressario of much note. Of poets, authors and 
journalists, there have died David A. Wasson, Charles P. Ilsley, 
Benjamin F. Taylor, Charles J. Peterson, John G. Saxe, Ben : 
Perley Poore, and Sylvanus Cobb, Jr. The sacred calling lost 
Rev. Dr. Ray Palmer, the hymnist, and Mark Hopkins, ex-presi- 
dent of Williams College. Among distinguished engineers James 
B. Eads. Of Jurists Justice Woods of the Supreme Court of the 
United States. 

The ravages of death have been great among statesmen and 
politicians. Of these ex-governor William Smith of Virginia ; 
William A. Wheeler, once vice-president ; James B. Speed, attor- 
ney-general in Lincoln's cabinet ; Hon. Bion Bradbury and Hon. 
A. P. Morrill of Maine ; Hon. R. M. T. Hunter of Virginia ; Hon. 
William McKee Dunn ; Hon. Isaac Reed of Maine ; Ex-Gov. 
William B. Washburn of Massachusetts ; and Thomas C. Manning, 
Minister to Mexico ; Hon. E. B. Washburne, ex-Minister to 
France ; Hon. J. R. Bodwell, Governor of Maine ; Hon. Daniel 
Manning, ex-Secretary of the Treasury ; Hon. John K. Tarbox, 
Insurance Commissioner of Massachusetts. 

The army list has lost Gen. Randolph B. Marcy, father-in-law 
and associated with the campaigns of Gen. George B. McClellan ; 
Gen. Thomas Kilby Smith, Gen. Grant's chief of staff at the close 
of the war ; Gen. W. Hazen, chief signal officer ; and Commodore 
Truxton and Rear Admiral Craven of the United States Navy. 

Among noted foreign deaths is that of Lord Lyons, well known 
in America as the representative of Great Britain at Washington 
during the civil war, and better understood after the war as our 
steady friend, who formed at Washington a correct judgment of 
the probable issue of the conflict, and gave wise counsel to Lord 
John Russell which undoubtedly prevented English recognition 
of the South. The characteristic incident is recalled, that when 
it became the duty of the English ambassador in 1863 to inform 
President Lincoln of the marriage of the Prince of Wales, Mr. 
Lincoln instead of a formal response to a ceremonious speech. 



232 

said bluntly, " Well, Lyons, go thou and do likewise ! " But the 
diplomat never did marry, and his titles die with him. A short 
time before his death he was received into the Catholic church. 

Worcester has within the year suffered the loss of an unusual 
number of active business men, cut off in middle career of useful- 
ness. Among these to be long missed are Sumner Pratt, Charles 
M. Miles, William H. Hackett, and E. R. Morse. David Whit- 
comb and William Dickinson, though advanced in years, were 
still actively contributing to the best forces of the community. 
The death of the venerable Horatio Phelps removed one of the 
few remaining links between the Worcester of this present, and 
the very start and outset of our larger manufacturing industries. 
The wound of the loss of Judge Francis H. Dewey within a few 
days is still fresh. 

The names of some of the other sex deceased within the year 
stir deeply local memories. Miss Sally Chadwick Eaton has 
gone from her dwelling on Main street, the oldest building now 
remaining in Worcester, where her whole quiet and useful life had 
been spent. The death of Abby Kelley Foster has already been 
referred to. Chiefly, but with those who knew them, not solely 
by the names they carried in their widowhood, linking them to 
an important and valuable past, such deaths as those of Mrs. 
Lydia Stiles Foster, Mrs. Lydia W. Upham, and the venerable 
widow of Gen. Nathan Heard, awaken multitudes of old and 
tender Worcester memories. 

In the death list of each year a special interest attaches to 
those who had long outlived the average human term. There 
are said to be fifty persons living in New England who have sur- 
vived their one hundredth year. Of this number eleven live in 
Connecticut, four in Rhode Island, ten in Massachusetts, sixteen 
in Maine, five in New Hampshire, and five in Vermont. The 
oldest of all is Giles Benson of Casdeton, Vermont, 115 years of 
age. Doubt is sometimes thrown on the age of alleged centena- 
rians, owing to the lack of records to establish it, but we read 
that the municipality of Vienna, after the strictest investigation, 
declares that Madeleine Pouka has completed her 112th year, 
her birth having been in the year 1775. 



233 

The following are the deaths in this city during 1887, at the 
age of 85 years and upwards. 

February 11. Mrs. John L. Goodwin, 88. William Dunn, 85. 

March 4. Mrs. Susan M. Chamberlain, 85. 

March 14. Mrs. Ellen Flynn, 100. Mrs. Eliza Drury (Ward) 
Baldwin, 93. 

March 16. May Phillips, 87. 

March 23. Eliza Holmes, 81. 

April 5. Lincoln Fay, 87. 

May 28. Mary W. Marsh, 90. 

May 29. Mrs. Hannah Stone, 99 y., 8 m., 29 d. 

June 19. Andrew Conlin, 90. 

June 20. Miss Sally Chadwick Eaton, 86. 

June 21. Miss Mary Thompson, 99 y., 8 m., 20 d. 

August 19. Amos Stearns, 86. 

September 7. Horatio Phelps, 89. 

September 8. Mrs. Olive S. Brown, 86. 

October 11. Robert W. Flagg, 92. 

October 25. Mrs. Betsy Stevens, 91. 

November i. Mrs. Susan M. Fuller, 87. 

December 15. Mrs. Sally Sawyer, 91. 

The list of deaths in Worcester County at the age of 90 years 
and upwards is as follows : 

January. 

Fitchburg. Mrs. Catharine O'Brien, 90. 

Winchendon. Mrs. Sally VV'ebber Morse, 90. 

Millbury. Antoine Gregory, 95. 

February. 

Petersham. Mrs. Hannah Parkhurst, 94. 

Upton. Mrs. Betsey Forbush, 95. 

Fitchburg. Mrs. Sarah L. Haskell, 90. 

Brookfield. Mrs. Sarah P. Prouty, 93. 

Grafton. Silas Forbush, 91. 

March. 

Gardner. Sarah Chapman, 96. 
30 



234 

Blackstone. Mrs. Bridget Cooney, (said to be) loi. 
Grafton. Miss Henrietta Willard, 91. 
Clinton. Laken Bennett, 92. 

April. 
Spencer. Otis Green, 91. 
Oxford. Mrs. Mary DeWitt, 90. 
Grafton. John Chollar, 92. 
Oakham. Mrs. MeHsse Whipple Crawford, 91. 

May. 
Sterling. Mrs. Huldah Kingman, 91. 
Brookfield. Mrs. Alonzo Rice, 95. 
Dana. Dr. Daniel Lindsay, 93. 
Leominster. Mrs. Abigail Hawes, 92. 
Sterling. Mrs. Rebecca Howard, 97. 
Lancaster. Miss Lucy C. Puffer, 91. 

June. 
Spencer. Mrs. Fannie Dewing, 95. 
Warren. Noah Elwell, 90. 

July. 
Barre. Mrs. Lucy Rice, 92. 
Athol. Mary Koley, 91. 

August. 
Leicester. John Johnson, 90. 
Shrewsbury. Relief Doane, 92. 
West Brookfield. Adolphus Hamilton, 95. 
Harvard. Martin Lawton, 95. 

September. 
Phillipston. Ephraim Martin, 95. 
Westminster. Mrs. Lucinda Moore, 90. 
Phillipston. Patrick W. Colon, 90. 
October. 
Winchendon. Charles Baldwin, 90. 
November. 
Barre. Mrs. Lavina Stone, 94. 



235 

December. 
Millbury. Nathaniel Goddard, 90. 
Petersham. Ellen Meany, 94. 
Brookfield. Airs. Rachel I. Pond, 90. 

I close with the following complete summary from the Jlor- 
cester Daily Spy : 

"The number of deaths in Worcester in 1887 was 1463, in- 
cluding 128 stillborn infants, against 12 71 in 1886 and 1395 in 
1885. Of those in 1887, 757 were males and 706 females. The 
deaths in the different months last year were: January, 135; 
February, 107; March, 134; x^pril, 119; May, 102 ; June, 108; 
July, 158; August, 128; September, 126; October, 128; No- 
vember, 102; and December, 117. The deaths of the 417 in- 
fants under one year, including the stillborn, were divided among 
the different months as follows: January, 31; February, 32; 
March, 39 ; April, 29 ; May, 15 ; June, 39 ; July, 65 ; August, 
44; September, 42 ; October, 31 ; November, 24; and Decem- 
ber, 26. The total number between i and 2 years was 77 ; be- 
tween 2 and 5 years, 71 ; and there were 107 over 50, 298 over 
60, 170 over 70, 66 over 80, 7 over 90, and 2 over 100." 

HENRY M. SMITH, Chairman. 



RELICS, COINS AND CURIOSITIES. 

THE MUSEUM COLLECTION. 

Some interesting articles have been added to this department 
during the past year, among them the following : 

The weather-vane and ball from the old Central Church on 
Main street in Worcester, erected in 1823. Presented by 13. C. 
Jaques «S: Co. 



236 

Mr. W. H. Andrews has given to the Society two pistols made 
in Worcester, and carried through the Civil War. One of them 
belonged to Warren Alger of the 15th Mass. regiment, who died 
in Andersonville Prison. 

A coat which belonged to a member of the old State Guard. 
Presented by C. H. Harvey, who was the last captain of this 
organization. 

Mrs. John Boyden has presented among other valuable gifts, 
two fire buckets and bag of the Social Fire Society ; also military 
relics. 

Two valuable additions have been made to the collection of 
ancient card-setting machinery, by Dr. Pliny Earle of Northamp- 
ton. One is a model of the machine for making twilled cards, 
invented and patented by his father, Pliny Earle of Leicester, in 
1 803 ; the other a machine for forming card teeth, used by Pliny 
Earle before 1800. 

B. A. Leonard of Southbridge has made some valuable dona- 
tions to the Society, of which I will particularly mention the 
painting by Alexander of Joseph and his brethren. 

Another interesting object is the ancient painted panel repre- 
senting Boston about 1 740, taken from the old Meriam house in 
Oxford, and presented by Rufus N. Meriam. 

Edward H. Thompson, Consul at Merida, remembered the 
Society by the gift of two articles used by the natives of Yucatan. 

A great many other things might be specified, but the above 
are the most important. 

THOMAS A. DICKINSON, Custodian. 



Index to Proceedings for i88; 



Abolitionists vindicated, paper l^y 

Oliver Johnson, 130. 
Aged persons' deaths, 233. 
Alexander, Francis, sketch of 122. 
Anglican Church in the Colonies, 

paper by H. L. Parker, 182-207. 
Annual Address, 9-34. 
Annual Field Day, 125-130. 
Annual Meeting, 211-218. 
Assessment for 1888, 218. 

Ball, Hon. Phinehas, admitted a 
meml:)er, 132. 

Barton, Edmund M., remarks at 
Princeton, 12S. 

Barton, William S., gift from, 131. 

Beecher, Rev. II. W., Prof. Swing's 
tribute to, 229. 

Benedict, Rev. W. A., elected a cor- 
responding member, 57. 

Blake, Francis E., Chairman of Field 
Day Committee, 83, 127. 

Brooks, John, entertains Society at 
Princeton, 129. 

Clark, Rev. G. F., admitted a mem- 
ber, 57. 

Committees for 1888, 5. 

Composite photograph exhibited, 56. 

Coolidge, Rev. A. H., paper on Rev. 
Dr. Nelson, 59-81. 

Crane, Ellery B., annual address, 9- 
34; remarks on Indian civilization, 
56. 



Crane, John C, paper on Asa II. 

Waters, 84-96. 
Cutler, U. W., paper on Indians and 

Europeans, 36-55. 

Dana, John A., at Princeton, 12S. 
Department Reports, 221-236. 
Discussion closed, 131. 

Everett, J. T., of Princeton, 129. 

Field Day in Princeton, 125-130. 

Field Day Committee, 83. 

Fuller, Prof. II. T., at Princeton, 128. 

Gifts to the Society, 2 13-21 8, 235. 
Green, Samuel S., remarks at Prince- 
ton, 128. 

Hoar, Senator G. F., letter of regret 
read at Princeton, 127. 

Hosmer, Rev. S. D., admitted a mem- 
ber, 130; mentioned, 210. 

Houghton, W. A., admitted a mem- 
ber, 132. 

Howland, Joseph A., paper on Winds 
and Weather-vanes, 57; remarks 
in criticism of Hon. Eli Thayer, 
82; remarks in relation to Col. 
Waters, 97. 

Huhng, Ray Greene, gift from. 57. 

Indians and Europeans, paper by U. 
W. Cutler, 36-55. 

Indian civilization, remarks by Presi- 
dent Crane, 56. 



238 



Jenkins, James, admitted a member, 

82. 
Johnson, Oliver, his review of Hon. 

Eli Thayer's lectures read by Rev. 

Samuel May, 99; letter to F. P. 

Rice expressing satisfaction at his 

treatment by the Society, 131. 

Kelley, Abby, mentioned, 97. 

Leonard, B. A., presents painting by 
Francis Alexander, 122. 

Letters read by F. P. Rice, 98. 

Librarian's Report, 213. 

Love, Rev. A. L., of Princeton, 127. 

Lovell, Albert A., elected a corres- 
ponding member, 82. 

Marvin, Rev. Abijah P., paper on the 
Puritans, 101-121; remarks, 207. 

May, Rev. Samuel, reads Oliver John- 
son's review, 99. 

Maynard, George, lecture by, 210. 

Members admitted in 1886-7, 6. 

Meriam, Rufus N., paper on Meriam 
Family, 133-1 So; gift of ancient 
panel, 1 81. 

Metcalf, L N., memorial sketch by 
S. E. Staples, 219. 

Nelson, Rev. John, paper on, by Rev. 
Mr. Coolidge, 59-81. 

Officers for 1888, 3; elected, 218. 

Parker, Henry L., paper on the An- 
glican Church in the Colonies, 182- 
207. 

Perkins, Rev. Dr., remarks in rela- 
tion to Hon. Eli Thayer, 99. 

Perry, Hon. Amos, remarks at Prince- 
ton, 128. 

Phelps, F. F., admitted a member, 
211. 

Phillips, PL A., admitted a member, 
130. 



Puritans of Massachusetts Bay, paper 
by Rev. A P. Marvin, 101-121. 

Rawson, Edward, ancestry of, (in 
President Crane's address, 11-34. 

Redemption Rock visited, 129. 

Rice, F. P., reply to J. A. Holland's 
attack on Hon. Eli Thayer, 97. 

Rice, Jonas, memorial proposed, 132. 

Rice, Hon. W. VV., reminiscences of 
Rev. Dr. Nelson, 81; mentioned, 
99, 131, 210. 

Rockwood, E. J., admitted a mem- 
ber, 130. 

Salisbury, Stephen, remarks at Prince- 
ton, 127. 

Shumway, H. L., elected a corres- 
ponding member, 21 1. 

Smith, Charles M., lecture by, 58. 

Staples, Samuel E., remarks at Prince- 
ton, 128; memorial of I. N. Met- 
calf, 219. 

Taft, Hon. Velorous, 128. 

Thayer, Hon. Eli, gift from, 34; let- 
ters received by, 98; expresses 
satisfaction at treatment by So- 
ciety, 131. 

Thompson, Edward H., communica- 
tion from, read at meeting, 131 ; 
printed in Department Report, 
224; remarks at special meeting, 
209. 

Titus, Joseph A., admitted a mem- 
ber, 57. 

Treasurer's Report, 212. 

Tyler, Rev. Albert, elected a corres- 
ponding member, 82. 

Wall, Caleb A., papers by, 83, 131, 
210. 

"Waters, Col. Asa H., paper on, by 
John C. Crane, 84-96. 

White, H. A., admitted a member, 
132. 



